Darkly Original
I admire novels that show startling originality of imagination. However, to be considered worthwhile overall, such books also need engaging storytelling, something interesting to say and writing skilful enough to deliver all of this effectively. Angharad Walker’s stunning debut has all of these things in abundance. Beware, though. It is probably not a book for the very young; many of its narrative elements could literally become the stuff of nightmare. Whilst it is very much it’s own book, this enigmatic story of displaced and disturbing children, living in the very strange environment of the titular Ash House, is closer in some ways to Lord of the Flies than it is to Lemmony Snicket or even Miss Peregrine.
Amongst other themes, it explores the tensions between ‘niceness’ and ‘nastiness’ in our society rather unflinchingly, and I found some scenes, like that of the burying of a dead pig, really quite chilling. However, for those ready to cope, this is an intriguing, gripping, and powerfully affecting novel that leaves the reader with a lasting impression - and great deal to think about. The striking, haunting cover by Olia Muza refects the tone of the book beautifully.
It is enormously pleasing to find a new author who isn’t just following the trends, but has a truly original and exciting voice, and a publishers willing to back them. This is my debut of the year so far. (And there isn’t all that much longer to go.)