Islands of Mercy

A new book from Rose Tremain is always a cause for celebration. Her exceptionally well-crafted and deeply humane historical novels are invariably a joy and Islands of Mercy is no exception... A rich, rewarding and highly satisfying novel from one of our finest novelists. * Daunt Books * An enjoyable page-turner -- Robert Douglas-Fairhurst * The Times * Rose Tremain gives Hilary Mantel a run for her money for the title of Britain's greatest living historical novelist... there are still few writers who can conjure up a version of the past that is so startlingly unfamiliar yet so convincing -- Charlotte Heathcote * Sunday Express * An exhilarating exploration of love, life, loss and death... A thrilling and seductive story... Vivid and beguiling -- Rowan Mantell * Eastern Daily Press * Over a distinguished literary career, Rose Tremain has traversed genres with her customary flair... in her portrayal of the ways in which individual longing and frustration unfold against the constraints of forces beyond our control, Tremain has long been one of our most accomplished novelists, and here is further confirmation -- Stephanie Merritt * The Observer * A moving exploration of love and the sacrifices we're willing to make in its name * Good Housekeeping * Another gratifyingly well-put-together work... Tremain's long sentences brim with a poised positivity...[and] add lightness to her fond depictions of these imperfect strivers -- Francesca Carington * Sunday Telegraph, *Novel of the Week* * Terrific -- Louise Carpenter * The Times * A hell of a read - so emotionally sophisticated, so deft with shade and light, more absorbing than most fiction I've read this year -- Johanna Thomas-Corr * Sunday Times *