Mary George of Allnorthover

Lavinia Greenlaw is the author of two books of poetry, ‘Night Photograph’ (1993), which was shortlisted for the Whitbread and Forward awards, and ‘A World Where News Travelled Slowly’ (1997), which won the Forward Prize. She is currently working at the Poetry Library, having previously been Writer-in-Residence at the Science Museum, at a law practice, and in several schools. She lives in north London.

‘A poet’s eye clearly informs Greenlaw’s beautifully observed portrait of Seventies provincial life. In prose layered like paint, Greenlaw conjures up the period through details that will strike endless chords with readers who grew up at that time … This is a suggestive, elusive novel, which achieves a magical effect by the gradual accumulation of images.’ Vogue‘This is a terrific first novel, a meteorological force in its own right.’ Evening Standard‘A composed and sensuous first novel.’ Financial TImes‘A spacious and compassionate read.’ Time Out‘What is most impressive, ultimately, is the strength and solidity of the house Greenlaw builds around the reader: every brick carefully aligned, necessary and true.’ Independent on Sunday