Recommended: Zed and the Cormorants

Our selection for November is…

Zed and the Cormorants by Clare Owen

About the Novel

Zed’s family have moved from London to a village in Cornwall. Dad says they need a fresh start, but no one’s asked Zed what she thinks.

She knows she’ll never fit into her new school, or make any friends, let alone find someone special. Maybe their new home will help with Mum’s depression, and keep Zed’s sister Amy away from her dropout boyfriend, but why does it have to be so remote? Why has the boathouse been locked up for seventy years? Why do the birds living by the estuary fill her with such dread?

And what do they WANT?

A Daphne du Maurier for the 21st Century – Piers Torday

In the spirit of Joan Aiken, and just as Gothic, a roller coaster read which will haunt you! – Lizza Aiken

I shall often think of those riverbanks, the birds, the town and the relationship between man and nature – it’s a clever weaving of history with contemporary issues. A compelling story, full of mystery and enchantment. A perfect book to get lost in on a hot summer’s day – Sophia Bennett

A gorgeously evocative story set in Cornwall, full of loving but messed up families, ghosts and warm bread rolls – Holly Race

Gripping, atmospheric, moving and with the glow of myth and fantasy intertwined with sharp depictions of family life – Adele Geras

About the Author

Before settling in Cornwall in 2002, Clare studied English at Oxford University and a two-year acting training at The Poor School in Kings’ Cross, and earned a living (just about!) as an actor.

She worked mainly in theatre and performed at venues including the Oxford Playhouse, the National Theatre, Theatre Royal Windsor and the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Clare also worked as a casting director and then as a PA to the artistic director of the Barbican Centre in London, a place where art, music, theatre, dance and film all exist under one roof.

​Clare has been published in magazines and anthologies and regularly reads her work at literary events and festivals. She also co-writes and performs with an ensemble of gloriously talented, funny, and supportive women called ‘Riot of the Freelance Mind.

Her first YA novel, Zed and the Cormorants was published in April 2021 (Arachne Press) and is available to buy online from The Terrace Gallery, Penryn who have a bookshop dedicated to Local Authors

Previous book recommendations:
The Draw of the Sea by Wyl Menmuir
The Lip by Charlie Carroll
Mothers Boy by Patrick Gale

​

Categorised in: Bookclub

This post was written by samstone