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A powerful and spine-tingling gothic tale exploring mother-daughter relationships, sexuality, and class.

There are some facts about the world that only your mother can teach you.
Marguerite had been confined for the sake of her wellbeing.
That’s what her mother had said.

Marguerite Périgord is locked in the attic of her family home, a towering Chelsea house overlooking the stinking Thames.

For company she has a sewing machine, Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management and a carrion crow who has come to nest in the rafters. Restless, she spends her waning energies on the fascinations of her own body, memorising Mrs Beeton’s advice and longing for her life outside.

Cécile Périgord has confined her daughter Marguerite for her own good.

Cécile is concerned that Marguerite’s engagement to a much older, near-penniless solicitor, will drag the family name – her husband’s name, that is – into disrepute. And for Cécile, who has worked hard at her own betterment, this simply won’t do.

Cécile’s life has taught her that no matter how high a woman climbs she can just as readily fall.

Of course, both have their secrets, intentions and histories to hide. As Marguerite’s patience turns into rage, the boundaries of her mind and body start to fray.

And neither woman can recognise what the other is becoming.

‘Bold, blazing, absolutely unforgettable’ Elizabeth Macneal, bestselling author of The Doll Factory

‘Probably one of the best books I've read this year! It felt like an unholy mix of Ottessa Moshfegh and Leonora Carrington, whilst still being very much its own thing … I loved it’ Julia Armfield, author of Private Rites and Our Wives Under The Sea

‘A gruesome, provocative, stylish fairytale.... A true Gothic gem’ Kaliane Bradley, bestselling author of The Ministry of Time

© Heather Parry 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025