Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter
Synopsis
'Beautifully written, unflinching and brimming with adventure' – Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne and Elektra
'Immersive storytelling, a rollicking mystery and a take-no-prisoners heroine' – Stylist
1896, Bannin Bay, Australia. When British pearl-boat captain Charles Brightwell goes missing out at sea, rumours of mutiny and murder swell within the bay's dens and back alleys. Only his headstrong daughter, Eliza, refuses to believe her father is dead, and sets out on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.
But in a town teeming with corruption, prejudice, and blackmail, Eliza soon learns that the answers she seeks might cost more than pearls. How much is she willing to sacrifice to find them?
'Both a breathtaking adventure story and a moving testimony to the lengths we go to for the people we love, it swept me away from the first page' – Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters
Times Best Historical Fiction Pick
A Woman & Home Best Book
Stylist Top Pick
Shortlisted for the HWA Debut Crown Award and the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize
Compelling, fiercely feminist, and atmospheric, Lizzie Pook's Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter is a truly mesmerising novel.
Details
Reviews
“Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter is a gorgeous debut. Both a breathtaking adventure story and a moving testimony to the lengths we go to for the people we love, it swept me away from the first page . . . A gleaming achievement”Emma Stonex, bestselling author of The Lamplighters
“Tense and vividly atmospheric, with a determined, independent heroine intent on the truth. It’s beautifully written, unflinching and brimming with adventure. I loved the journey to a world I knew nothing about - it’s gloriously transporting”Jennifer Saint, bestselling author of Ariadne
“I loved it: a gritty plot, exquisite prose, and a vivid evocation of a dangerous time and place. Wonderfully researched and realised”Rosie Andrews, author of The Leviathan
“A stunning debut. From the very first line, this novel drew me fully into its gritty yet captivating world . . . I will never look at a string of pearls in quite the same way”Charmaine Wilkerson, author of Black Cake
