An unforgettable story of two women linked by their roles in a tragedy at the end of the Victorian era, THE BUTTERFLY CABINET by Bernie McGill will appeal to fans of THE VANISHING ACT OF ESME LENNOX or THE SUSPICIONS OF MR WHICHER, and was singled out by Julian Fellowes as his Book of the Year in the Guardian.
On a remote estate in the north of Ireland, a little girl dies, and the community is quick to condemn her mother, Harriet Ormond. Now, after seventy years, Maddie McGlade, a former nanny at the house, knows the time has come to reveal her own role in the events of that day.
From Maddie’s reminiscences and Harriet’s long-concealed diaries emerges an unforgettable story of motherhood and betrayal, and of two women, mistress and servant, inextricably connected by an extraordinary secret.
On a remote estate in the north of Ireland, a little girl dies, and the community is quick to condemn her mother, Harriet Ormond. Now, after seventy years, Maddie McGlade, a former nanny at the house, knows the time has come to reveal her own role in the events of that day.
From Maddie’s reminiscences and Harriet’s long-concealed diaries emerges an unforgettable story of motherhood and betrayal, and of two women, mistress and servant, inextricably connected by an extraordinary secret.
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Reviews
'Beautifully done and thoroughly absorbing'
'An absorbing story of marriage, motherhood and murder'
'An intense exploration of maternal love and guilt'
'Exceptionally accomplished'
'Utterly compelling... a haunted tale, pitch perfect in tone'
'Assured and very readable, holding plenty of promise for the future'
'McGill has the ability to enter the brain and heart of her characters and so to make us sympathise with people who commit acts we abhor'