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The Dictator's Wife
A mesmerising novel of deception and BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club pick
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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,457 ratings, 179 reviews)
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The Dictator's Wife
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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?
This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a psychological thriller edge, focusing on complex female characters and stories about power, secrets, and legacy. Suitable for lovers of character-driven narratives set in politically charged environments.
A dictator's wife, overthrown and awaiting trial, pleads her case to a young female lawyer, while also drawing her into a tangled web of lies and dark, dangerous secrets. This dazzling and devastating debut is a Lead Launch for Headline Review.
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Description
Everyone is talking about this darkly gripping story of hidden secrets, as seen on BBC2 Between the Covers Book Club.
'A gripping, intelligent, utterly-of-the-moment thriller' — EMMA STONEX
'A captivating story of women's power, love and secrets' — LARA PRESCOTT
'Compelling, atmospheric. It's BRILLIANT' — MARIAN KEYES
'Fascinating, atmospheric, utterly gripping' — LIZ HYDER
'Demands to be devoured in one sitting' — GLAMOUR
'A gripping and moving debut' — HARLAN COBEN
'Magnificent' — CHARLOTTE PHILBY
'Spellbinding' — JANE SHEMLIT
'Darkly compelling' — STYLIST
'Richly imagined' — THE TIMES
_________
She's beautiful and beguiling... but can you trust her?
Young London lawyer Laura flies to her parents' homeland for the most important defence case of her life. On trial is Marija Popa, the beautiful widow of a murdered dictator, who created fear and division in his impoverished Eastern Bloc country, hiding untold riches for himself and his family.
For Laura, the case is an opportunity to make sense of her broken childhood and her distant relationship with her mother, who will not speak about her old life under the regime. But Laura is distracted by the enigmatic Marija, who claims she knew nothing of her husband's dark affairs.
As Laura is led deeper into her investigation of the past, she realises that to uncover the truth, she must draw closer to the dictator's wife. But does danger lie there...?
Coming soon from Freya Berry - THE BIRDCAGE LIBRARY
__________
DISCOVER YOUR NEW OBSESSION...
'The ending left me breathless' — LARA PRESCOTT
'Atmospheric, claustrophobic and so elegantly written' — ELLERY LLOYD
'Engrossing, evocative, chillingly claustrophobic. Wonderfully written' — KAREN HAMILTON
'A darkly atmospheric, rich, compulsive and page-turning read' — KATE HAMER
'A masterful portrait of a woman who is both devil and angel. Like the real-life dictator's wives that inspired her, she's unforgettable' — ANIKA SCOTT
'A remarkable new talent' — ANTHONY HOROWITZ
'Sumptuously written... One of the most compelling literary debuts of the year' — GLAMOUR
'One of the most original debuts I have read' — DAISY GOODWIN
'Excellent. Immersive with strong characterisation and atmosphere' — HARRIET TYCE
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?
Praised as a "gripping, intelligent, utterly-of-the-moment thriller" by Emma Stonex and "a remarkable new talent" by Anthony Horowitz, this debut is celebrated for its atmospheric, claustrophobic style and compelling story of female agency. Lara Prescott calls it "captivating" with an ending that "left me breathless." Reviewers highlight its rich characterisation, elegant writing, and status as a compulsive page-turner, perfect for fans of dark, evocative historical fiction.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781472276346
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 February 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Headline Review
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 28.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 432
About the Author
Freya Berry studied English Literature at Cambridge. She graduated with a double first and worked as a financial and political journalist at Reuters and the Daily Mail in London and New York. Her debut novel The Dictator's Wife was inspired by the close observation of the wives of some of the world's most powerful leaders. It was featured on the BBC's Between the Covers and was The New European's novel of the year. Freya lives in London.
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