Vita and the Birds

‘A poignant page-turning story, beautifully written’ Leonora Nattrass, author ofBlue Water

’Hugely evocative and beautifully written’ Anna Mazzola, author ofThe Clockwork Girl

’Polly Crosby’s writing is exquisite and this latest book is every bit as evocative as her previous novels’ Top pick of the month May 2023My Weekly

‘A thoroughly compelling mystery meets a poignant love story, all wrapped up in beautifully lyrical writing’ Frances Quinn, author ofThe Smallest Man

‘A beguiling mystery from a gifted storyteller’ Louise Fein, author ofPeople Like Us

1938:Lady Vita Goldsborough lives in the menacing shadow of her controlling older brother, Aubrey. But when she meets local artist Dodie Blakeney, the two women form a close bond, and Vita finally glimpses a chance to be free.

1997:Following the death of her mother, Eve Blakeney returns to the coast where she spent childhood summers with her beloved grandmother, Dodie. Eve hopes that the visit will help make sense of her grief. The last thing she expects to find is a bundle of letters that hint at the heart-breaking story of Dodie’s relationship with a woman named Vita, and a shattering secret that echoes through the decades.

What she discovers will overturn everything she thought she knew about her family – and change her life forever.

‘Luminous and captivating … Polly Crosby’s shimmering writing veils a dark hint of the gothic’ Kate Griffin, author ofFyneshade

'A beautiful and haunting tale of family, love, control and connections. This book and its characters will stay with me for a long time' Netgalley reviewer

'A lush and evocative novel of loss and forbidden love' Netgalley reviewer

'Beautifully written, a dark and moody yet intriguing story' Netgalley reviewer

'An extraordinary book that I read in a 4 hour straight session without stopping for food or drink . . . A spellbinding read' Netgalley reviewer

A haunting mystery for fans of Eve Chase, Dinah Jefferies and Kate Mosse. What readers are saying aboutVita and the Birds