The Madwoman’s Coat by Ian Reid

 
 

About Ian Reid

Ian Reid grew up in New Zealand and has lived for many years in Perth. The Madwoman’s Coat is his fifth historical novel. He is the author of 15 books — mainly fiction, poetry and literary criticism — and editor of several more. Ian’s work has been widely published, winning international recognition including the Antipodes Prize and being translated into five languages. He is an Adjunct Professor in English and Literary Studies at the University of Western Australia. For further information, visit Ian’s website.

A Quote from Ian Reid

“There’s a wonderful sense of public affirmation in being longlisted for such a prestigious award. And beyond that, it’s exhilarating to be associated with the ARA Prize because it celebrates the great value of imaginary time-travel. Too much contemporary fiction seems cramped within the here-and-now, tending to reinforce current attitudes and assumptions. By inventing characters and episodes set within a well researched framework of times past, authors of historical novels can help readers to see aspects of our own world from a new perspective.”


About The Madwoman’s Coat

1897: Isabella Trent is found murdered in an Australian asylum cell. Why did she die? Who is the killer? What is the meaning of the ornate motifs that Isabella has secretly embroidered on a man’s frock coat?

Years earlier, young Lucy Malpass leaves her home town in Staffordshire for London, where she is drawn into a community of artists and socialists around William Morris and his family. Before long there is not only a prospect of fulfilling work but also a glimpse of reciprocal passion. Then her high hopes gradually begin to unravel.

There seems to be a link between Lucy and Isabella, related somehow to an old Icelandic tale. But what exactly is this link, and what can it explain about their closely held secrets?


Cathy Ellis

Design agency based in Sydney Australia having a love affair with Squarespace for over 15 years ❤︎

http://www.thestudiocreative.com.au
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