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Kingfishers Catch Fire

A Virago Modern Classic
By Rumer Godden
Series: Virago Modern Classics
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Brief Description
By the bestselling author of Black Narcissus and The River 'A haunting tale . . . the whole book burns with beauty and poetry' Evening Standard 'Powerful adult themes underlie the novel's glimmering surface' Rosie Thomas, Guardian 'One of our best and most captivating novelists' Philip... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Rumer Godden's classic novel introduced by the bestselling author, Rosie Thomas. It tells the story of a young English woman's dramatic and disturbing experiences in Himalayan Kashmir.

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
By the bestselling author of Black Narcissus and The River 'A haunting tale . . . the whole book burns with beauty and poetry' Evening Standard 'Powerful adult themes underlie the novel's glimmering surface' Rosie Thomas, Guardian 'One of our best and most captivating novelists' Philip Hensher

Sophie Barrington Ward, without a husband, with two children and very little income, is faced with making a new life. She arrives in the Eden of Himalayan Kashmir to set up home in a tumbledown cottage surrounded by flowers and herbs. Settling down to live quietly, frugally, and peacefully with her new neighbours, she is unaware of the turmoil her arrival provokes as the villagers compete fiercely for her patronage.

Sophie is determined to live with the Indians and like it. Pundit Pramatha Kaul, her wise landlord, shakes his head. Profit David, her merchant friend, warns her. But when Sophie's cook makes a drastic bid to secure his position, the unwanted consequences are catastrophic . . .

Mesmerising and thoughtful, this lesser-known classic by Godden evokes India's uniquely beautiful landscape amidst a timeless tale of misunderstanding.

Series: Virago Modern Classics

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349017587

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 March 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Virago Press Ltd

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Rosie Thomas

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 124.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 320

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Rumer Godden Series: Virago Modern Classics

About the Author

Rumer Godden (1907-1998) was the acclaimed author of over sixty works of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Born in England, she and her siblings grew up in Narayanganj, India, and she later spent many years living in Kolkata and Kashmir. Several of her novels were made into films, including Black Narcissus, The Greengage Summer and The River, which was filmed by Jean Renoir. She was appointed OBE in 1993.

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