{"title":"Carol Birch","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarol Birch is an acclaimed British novelist known for her vivid storytelling and richly imagined worlds. With a career spanning several decades, Birch has captivated readers with her ability to weave intricate narratives that explore the complexities of human experience. Her works often delve into themes of identity, history, and adventure, making them resonate deeply with a diverse range of readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong her most celebrated novels is \u003cem\u003eJamrach's Menagerie\u003c\/em\u003e, a fascinating blend of historical fiction and adventure that was shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize. Set in the 19th century, the story follows a young boy who finds himself swept away on an unforgettable journey involving exotic animals and high seas intrigue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnother of Birch's notable works, \u003cem\u003eShadow Girls\u003c\/em\u003e, showcases her talent for creating compelling character-driven tales. In this novel, Birch skilfully navigates the intricate relationships and hidden secrets of her characters, drawing readers into their world with a blend of mystery and emotional depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBirch's novels are a testament to her masterful ability to create engaging and thought-provoking fiction. Readers of general fiction will find much to admire in her work, as she continues to explore new facets of storytelling with each novel she pens. Discover the captivating books of Carol Birch and embark on journeys filled with discovery and introspection.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"jamrachs-menagerie-by-carol-birch-9781921758959","title":"Jamrach's Menagerie","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLondon, 1857—after surviving an encounter with an escaped tiger on the streets of Bermondsey, nine-year-old Jaffy stumbles into a job for its owner, the wild animal collector, Mr Jamrach. Commissioned by Jamrach to find and collect a sea dragon, Jaf soon joins a ship bound for the South Seas, and so begins a wonder-filled voyage of discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut when things start to go awry, Jaf's journey becomes a fight for survival which will push faith, love and friendship to their outermost limits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrilliantly written and utterly compulsive, Carol Birch's Booker Prize-shortlisted novel evokes the smells, sights and flavours of the nineteenth century from the squalor of London to the islands of the South Seas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis historical adventure is a major literary accomplishment and will delight fans of Michel Faber and Sara Gruen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46531734274284,"sku":"9781921758959","price":27.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6000713482872.jpg?v=1749282848"},{"product_id":"shadow-girls-by-carol-birch-9781838939472","title":"Shadow Girls","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCombining psychological suspense with elements of the ghost story, \u003ci\u003eShadow Girls\u003c\/i\u003e is a literary exploration of girlhood by the Booker Prize-shortlisted author of \u003ci\u003eJamrach's Menagerie\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eManchester, 1960s.\u003c\/b\u003e Sally, a cynical fifteen-year-old schoolgirl, is much too clever for her own good. When partnered with her best friend, Pamela – a mouthy girl whom no-one else much likes – Sally is unable to resist the temptation of rebellion. The pair play truant, explore forbidden areas of the old school, and – their favourite – torment posh Sylvia Rose, with her pristine uniform and her beautiful voice that wins every singing prize.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne day, Sally ventures (unauthorised, of course) up to the greenhouse on the roof alone. Or at least she thinks she's alone, until she sees Sylvia on the roof too. Sally hurries downstairs, afraid of Sylvia snitching, but Sylvia appears to be there as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmidst the resurgence of ghost stories and superstition among the girls, a tragedy is about to occur, one that will send Sally further and further down an uncanny rabbit hole...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eShadow Girls\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A terrific evocation of a bygone Manchester girlhood, poignant and creepy by turns, by one of the most underrated writers in England' \u003cb\u003eD.J. Taylor\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Compulsively readable, \u003ci\u003eShadow Girls\u003c\/i\u003e is an atmospheric, shape-shifting novel, part coming-of-age, part supernatural thriller. Birch renders the atmosphere of the sixties impeccably, and conveys most brilliantly the taut, complicated relationships between teenage girls with all their neediness, bravado, and gullibility' \u003cb\u003eLesley Glaister\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46714730316012,"sku":"9781838939472","price":22.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/20379543482842.jpg?v=1754364312"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/carol-birch.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}