Bearmouth: WINNER OF WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE 2020 OLDER READERS CATEGORY

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In London, there are rumours that the body of a 'fallen angel' was found in the Thames. An ambitious surgeon, desperate to make a name for himself, is gripped by a dangerous obsession. Desperate to find a live ‘specimen’ he is willing to do anything achieve his goal. Et puis un jour, un nouveau débarque - Desmond et ses yeux noirs qui expriment une colère froide. Crapouille pense au démon en entendant son prénom. Le garçon n'est pas comme les autres car il parle de révolution. Le début des embrouilles. Désormais les questions se bousculent face aux inégalités de plus en plus invivables. Edward: An ambitious surgeon, Edward is tired of being under the shadow of his best friend Samuel. When an opportunity possibly leading to fame and fortune comes his way, Edward knows he mustn’t let it go.

I’m editing Bearmouth for publication with the brilliant Pushkin Press, which is very exciting, but I’m also researching the next book and brainstorming ideas for TV and film. Lots going on! Inspired by Liz's research into the working conditions of early Victorian coal mines, Bearmouth shows an imagined world where workers are treated as little more than pit ponies, both living and working in the dark depths of a mine. Told first person, Bearmouth explores ideas around exploitation, truth and class through the unique voice of an extraordinary young person who dares to question the status quo.Sadly I was unable to finish this book. The harrowing and graphic torture and killing of the dog by the surgeon about 10% of the way into the book was way too much for me. It turned my stomach and made me very upset. I don't know what else is in the book but that requires a Content Warning. It is a thing I can't stand and something I avoid in books and movies. It makes me hugely distressed. I can't imagine what that level of distressing detail could possibly add to the story. You could easily show he was an evil man without the detail.

I finished reading Everything Under by Daisy Johnson the other day and I was totally blown away by it. I felt like I was swallowed up: you are there in that world, it’s utterly immersive. I loved it and I can’t wait to read what she does next.I have a lot to say about this book but I also want to keep it all to myself. I read an advance copy that the publisher kindly sent me and if it’s affected me in it’s unfinished state, the finished copy (complete with illustrations!! Eeek!!) is guaranteed to be a marvel. I cannot wait to see it! Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments s Victorian London, South Shropshire and some fantasy. Whats not to like? I loved this novel, after writing Bearmouth for children this is a debut adult novel for Liz Hyder. Its a good one. You wont be able to put it down, It has short punchy chapters, and its essentially a tale of four females struggling in male dominated victorian england to find their place in society. Whilst there is a fantasy element, that brings a bit of magic and hope when all is said and done.

Much of the narrative is written phonetically. Did you take inspiration from other books ? I was reminded a little of Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban. I am a big YA fan, and even more so i am a fan of when YA doesn't feel like typical YA that people expect. I like them when they are a bit darker and quite bold, well this one did not let me down at all! this for me just feels like such a breathe of fresh air and such a huge deal, i hope this book gets the love and attention it deserves, because it really does have everything it needs to be on the bookshelves next to some of the YA big popular books that are much loved by many. I fell in love with ‘The Gifts’ from the opening in the Shropshire woods through to its dramatic conclusion. I found Liz Hyder’s writing beautiful and loved the imagery of these mysterious transformations.

Liz Hyder Press Reviews

The ending worked very well for me. It didn’t force a perfect solution; rather, the plot led itself to a believable culmination. AND I really need to mention how ...incredibly...slow this book felt, mostly cause I spent SO MUCH DANG TIME trying to puzzle out the words (or should I say traig to pahssl owt the werdz). Bearmouth is a book about questioning authority and social structures, both religious and political. At times it reminded me of Emile Zola’s Germinal. It is a book about bravery, hope and the power of brains over brawn. Bearmouth was not a mining camp, but rather a town that depended on the survival of other towns that were mining camps, such as neighboring Garnet. During the late 19th century, enormously rich ores from Garnet were brought into Bearmouth to be shipped to smelters. When Garnet ceased to exist, Bearmouth followed suit. The town, however, was also a main stop for stagecoaches on the old Mullan Road. As such, it had a two-storied, balconied inn for travelers to spend the night as well as a large livery stable, both of which still stand.