The Maker of Swans: 'A deeply pleasurable gothic fantasy'

(Paperback)

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'Compulsive reading . . . rich, strange, beautiful' Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk

'A strange, new and captivating look at a magical realm . . . Lavishly entertaining' Independent

'Enthralling . . . a literary feast' Stylist

The world had forgotten Mr Crowe and his mysterious gifts. Until he killed the poet.

He lived a secluded life in the fading grandeur of his country estate. His companions were his faithful manservant and his ward, Clara, a silent, bookish girl who has gifts of her own.

Now Dr Chastern, the leader of a secret society, arrives at the estate to call Crowe to account and keep his powers in check. But it is Clara's even greater gifts that he comes to covet most.

She must learn to use them quickly, if she is to save them all.

Reviews

Compulsive reading . . . rich, strange, beautiful - Helen Macdonald, author of H IS FOR HAWK

Dazzlingly inventive, compelling - Jane Casey

Exquisite - Liz Nugent, author of UNRAVELLING OLIVER

The Maker of Swans combines through-the-looking-glass enchantment with Nabokovian dexterity, and is also a sly and insightful commentary on the powers and weakness of artists. O'Donnell has written a mesmerizing book whose prose absolutely soars - Sandra Newman, author of THE COUNTRY OF ICE CREAM STAR

Paraic O'Donnell has entertained us for the past year or so with his wit and imagination. I can't wait to read him at greater length

Paraic O'Donnell's writing is welcoming but rigorous, potent but funny. I read him with a combination of envy and gratitude

The prose [has] a sense beyond cleverness of something with a life of its own, something poignant yet barbed and at the same time playful

I devoured this book and it kept me guessing right to the very end . . . Line by line, Paraic's writing contains some of the most beautifully turned phrasing I've read in a long while - Laura Barnett, author of THE VERSIONS OF US

Author Bio

Paraic O'Donnell is a writer of fiction, poetry and criticism. His first novel, THE MAKER OF SWANS, was named the Amazon Rising Stars Debut of the Month for February 2016 and was shortlisted for the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards in the Newcomer of the Year category. He lives in Wicklow, Ireland with his wife and two children.

http://paraicodonnell.com | @paraicodonnell