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The Western Wind

By Samantha Harvey
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Western Wind by Samantha Harvey, set in the late 15th century, a small village is thrown into disarray when a man is found dead in the nearby river. The local priest is faced with the daunting task of uncovering the truth behind the mysterious death while grappling with his own uncertainties and the fears of his parishioners. This story unfolds in reverse, offering a unique exploration of medieval human nature and spirituality.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate atmospheric mysteries set in the Middle Ages with a philosophical edge. The story unfolds through the perspective of a priest as he unravels a mysterious death in a small village, touching on themes of faith, doubt, and human nature. If you enjoy richly detailed settings and character-driven narratives, this tale of intrigue and contemplation could be a captivating read.

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And what will happen if he can’t?

Moving back in time towards the moment of Thomas Newman’s death, the story is related by Reve – an extraordinary creation, a patient shepherd to his wayward flock, and a man with secrets of his own to keep.

An ingenious medieval mystery with an unforgettable narrator, by one of the UK's most acclaimed and daring writers.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An ingenious medieval mystery with an unforgettable narrator, by one of the UK's most acclaimed and daring writers.

FROM THE AUTHOR OF 2024 BOOKER PRIZE WINNING ORBITAL

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE 2019

15th century Oakham, in Somerset; a tiny village cut off by a big river with no bridge. When a man is swept away by the river in the early hours of Shrove Saturday, an explanation has to be found—accident, suicide or murder? The village priest, John Reve, is privy to many secrets in his role as confessor. But will he be able to unravel what happened to the victim, Thomas Newman, the wealthiest, most capable and industrious man in the village? And what will happen if he can't?

Moving back in time towards the moment of Thomas Newman's death, the story is related by Reve—an extraordinary creation, a patient shepherd to his wayward flock, and a man with secrets of his own to keep. Through his eyes, and his indelible voice, Harvey creates a medieval world entirely tangible in its immediacy.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

i>The Western Wind by Samantha Harvey receives high praise for its intricate exploration of themes such as guilt, secrecy, and power. Reviews highlight its breathtaking narrative, deeply thoughtful storytelling, and the rich, time-travel-like experience it provides. The novel's ingenious plotting and characterisation inspire admiration, positioning it as a work that transforms the perception of the author as underrated.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784708030

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 February 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 214g

Pages: 304

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About the Author

Samantha Harvey is the author of the novels Orbital, The Wilderness, All is Song, Dear Thief and The Western Wind and a work of non-fiction, The Shapeless Unease- A Year of Not Sleeping. Orbital was the winner of the Booker Prize 2024, and her other work has been shortlisted for the James Tait Black Award, the Women's Prize, the Guardian First Book Award and the Walter Scott Prize. The Wilderness was awarded the Betty Trask Prize. She is a tutor on the MA course in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.

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