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The Secrets of Blythswood Square

The gripping and scandalous new 2024 Scottish historical novel from the acclaimed author of The Fair Botanists

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The Secrets of Blythswood Square

By: Sara Sheridan
Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron
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About this listen

 THE ENCHANTING NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE 2022 WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE YEAR, THE FAIR BOTANISTS.

A story of secrets, friendship and intrigue, set against the backdrop of subversive mid-19th century Glasgow, by the author of the critically acclaimed The Fair Botanists
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You wouldn't suspect it, but scandalous secrets are being kept on Blythswood Square...

1846. Glasgow is a city on the cusp of great social change, but behind the curtains, neighbours are watching, and rumours of improper behaviour spread like wildfire on the respectable Blythswood Square.

When Charlotte Nicholl discovers that the fortune she has been bequeathed by her father is tied up in a secret collection of erotic art, she is faced with a terrible dilemma: sell it and risk shaming her family's good name or lose her home.

An encounter with Ellory McHale, a talented working-class photographer newly arrived in Glasgow, leads Charlotte to hope she has found not only someone who might help her, but also an unlikely friend.

Yet Ellory is hiding secrets of her own - secrets that become harder to conceal as she finds herself drawn into Charlotte's world.

As the truth begins to catch up with both women, will it destroy everything they've fought to build - or set them both free?

PRAISE FOR THE FAIR BOTANISTS:
'Sheridan creates an evocative, enjoyable portrait of two women determined to lead independent lives' SUNDAY TIMES
'Completely enchanting and fascinating . . . a rollicking and immensely readable tale' SCOTSMAN
'Lush, seductive and scandalous, this is a gorgeous read' DAILY MAIL
'A cracking good read' VAL MCDERMID
'Dazzling, original, full of wonderful characters' KATIE FFORDE
'What a beautiful, immersive gem of historical fiction' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
'An absolute treat for fans of historical fiction and rich storytelling' RED

(P)2024 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2024 Sara Sheridan Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Feel-Good

Critic reviews

Dripping with intrigue and luscious prose, this sumptuous novel shines a light on a Glasgow long past ... Sherdian's fine writing and expert characterisation just pull you in, so you can hear silk skirts swish and secret doors creak, as if you too are dwelling amongst the bustle of Blytheswood Square. I loved it
A gripping and beautifully written book
An enchanting new novel
Sheridan is a mistress of the historical novel, and reading her latest book feels at times like stepping into an elaborate period drama set in Edinburgh and Glasgow . . . this is essential reading
A gripping novel
Sheridan's spry plot sees secrets discovered, ruinous rumours scotched, happiness regained and friendships founded in a novel that celebrates the search for autonomy
A novel of feeling and intellect . . . a rich and compelling story.
There's never any sense of time being wasted. Sheridan meticulously fills out her characters . . . a positive, optimistic novel.
Thoroughly enjoyable, a novel of feeling and intellect which will surely and deservedly be a great success
All stars
Most relevant
Aspects of this book I really liked - but I feel it lacked a little something in the authenticity of the characters and I could see the mechanisms at work. For example, the main plot line had little surprise in it. What I did enjoy was the agency given to the more minor characters, and the outrage of the more strait laced characters which was quite comedic. Whilst I felt fine with the inner monologues of the straight male characters, I felt Jeremiah’s inner monologues were a bit stilted and lacking in authentic character voice. His character was absolutely my favourite though when perceived through action and interaction. I enjoyed the fiesty nature of the female characters but occasionally their shame and outrage and the resolution of that felt a little two dimensional. All this aside, it was an enjoyable book overall and it particularly good to have Frederick Douglas’s visit to Glasgow feature.

Some great moments, lovely evocation of place

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I enjoyed the characterisation and fast narrative, historical references and Glasgow descriptions. It was fun too.

An original read

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Very good . Loved characters and issues raised. Things that were scorned and how people responded to being a little different in thinking!! X

The different characters which portray life fairly realistically.

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A favourite author excels herself again, so enjoyable and historically authentic, and peppered with twists and turns which kept me spellbound.

Intriguing and likeable characters

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Fabulous book, beautifully read, with colourful, believable characters and an engrossing story. I listened to it twice!

Best book!

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