The Woman and Her Stars

Name: The Woman and Her Stars
Price: 32.99 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781728295480

A Novel

Penny Haw

$32.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Sourcebooks Landmark
12 May 2026

Historical fiction

For fans of Her Hidden Genius and The Engineer's Wife comes the awe-inspiring true story of Caroline Herschel, an 18th century astronomer who lived in the shadow of her brother, but learned to pave her own path among the stars.

She must find her own place amongst the stars.

Caroline Herschel has always lived in the shadows. Beholden to her wildly popular older brother, William, who rescued her from servitude, she's worked hard to build a life for herself - one where she can go unnoticed and repay the debt she believes she owes him. But when her brother becomes obsessed with sweeping the stars, everything changes.

Newly appointed as the King's Astronomer, William is rushed away from the bustling streets of Bath to the quiet countryside of Windsor. When Caroline makes a discovery that could send her right back to the people she was rescued from, she has no choice but to leave her carefully constructed life and follow her brother. Taking up the position as William's assistant, Caroline resolves to learn everything she can about astronomy. But the more she understands, the more she falls in love with her telescope, and soon, she discovers that she might be good at the science, great, even, and that the stars could offer her the freedom she's always secretly wanted. When it's clear that Caroline is just as much the astronomer as her brother, she realizes she must break free from the life she has lived and find her own place in the night sky.

Based on the true story of Caroline Herschel, The Woman and Her Stars shines a light on a woman who was raised to believe she was worth nothing more than to serve others, but whose genius and resolve made her one of the world's leading astronomers. An awe-inspiring story set within the societal boundaries of the Georgian era, it's a hopeful journey of self-discovery, familial bonds, and passion.

By: Penny Haw
Imprint: Sourcebooks Landmark
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 210mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 38mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781728295480
ISBN 10: 1728295483
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 12 May 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Penny Haw worked as a journalist and columnist for more than three decades, writing for many leading South African newspapers and magazines before yielding to a lifelong yearning to create fiction. Her stories feature remarkable women, illustrate her love for nature, and explore the interconnectedness of all living things. The Invincible Miss Cust is Penny's debut historical fiction. She lives near Cape Town with her husband and three dogs, all of whom are well-walked.

Reviews for The Woman and Her Stars: A Novel

""The Woman and Her Stars is a book I've been waiting ages for. This intimate, vivid portrait of legendary astronomer Caroline Herschel is not just fantastic reading--you'll know Caroline, mourn for her, cheer for her and understand her challenges as she faces up to prejudice, ignorance and her own mistakes as a woman ahead of her time and a survivor. A tender, inspiring novel. Don't miss it!"" -- Audrey Blake, USA Today bestseller author of All in Her Hands