The first thing you must do when you enter the world of Jane Johnson’s THE WHITE HARE, is: go along with it, without reservation or judgment. Remember the dead body in the prologue. Then forget about her for a couple hundred pages.

The world of the novel is a species of magical realism set against a backdrop of postwar (WWII) pragmatism in a remote, insular part of Cornwall, where starting over—or resisting change—has always been part of the native soil. Fans of REBECCA and THE SECRET GARDEN: enter without fear: there is mystery and magic here, but it’s not necessarily what you expect.

Three generations [the war widow Magda, fiercely grasping her fading glamor with lacquered talons; her twenty-something daughter Mila, whisked (not entirely voluntarily) from a hideous situation; and Mila’s daughter Janey (Janeska), a wise soul in a five-year old’s body], have fled to White Cove to start over again. Madga has purchased a ramshackle fixer-upper aiming to return the home to its former glory as a posh guesthouse, thus ensuring their financial security (and Magda’s desperate need to be appreciated by the hoi polloi).

They soon learn the home has a sordid past. Contractors don’t want to work there. The residents of the nearby town of Eglosberyan clam up when Mila presses them for information.

Only the impossibly curious and fearless Janey, whose constant companion, confidant(e), and familiar, her toy white rabbit, Rabbit, seems unfazed. She actually sees the giant white hare that appears from time to time in the area and somehow intuitively understands it’s an ancient Celtic protective female spirit.

No plot spoilers from me; but as Madga, Mila, and Janey weather the months winding down to Magda’s New Year’s Eve shindig for the locals at their fully restored guest house, the trio of Polish émigrées must learn to make peace (or not) with their environment. Some of the locals are not what they first seemed: the land itself yields up her secrets even as the characters do.


Held by the residents, and by the wild land herself, these secrets have been long buried—some for a generation, some for millennia. The women learn that Cornwall was ever a target for raiders, from the Romans onward. Yet predators still lurk among them, and our trio (often at odds with each other—for THE WHITE HARE is as much a mother-daughter story as anything else) must learn to discern who is a protector and who is a predator. One often appears at first glance to be disguised as the other. Trust is hard won in White Cove.

Ms. Johnson has created a marvelous cast of characters (yes, this would make a wonderful independent film, if the casting were right) that feel right out of 1954, the year in which the novel is set. But it would be impossible to duplicate her gorgeous wordsmithing on screen. Her prose is lush and descriptive, especially when she literally gets into the woods and weeds, and what might seem to be a “mermaid cave” surrounding White Cove, where her characters make remarkable discoveries that eventually confirm the odd physical sensations they have been experiencing. In THE WHITE HARE, topography and atmosphere are character.

I adored little Janey, who somehow receives communications from Rabbit (who changes genders during the novel as Janey becomes more familiar with the history of White Cove). She’s obviously precocious; and in 1954 those who don’t know her and love her would label her odd and in need of “management.” Yet Johnson avoids the trap of making Janey appear “precious.” She’s spunky. She’s got moxie. She’s at an age where anything is imaginable. Would that we all could recapture that. [Full disclosure: I’ve had a toy rabbit since I was 3 months old, so I’m the Dear Reader for THE WHITE HARE].

My only quibble is that Johnson’s characters are so finely and specifically drawn that Mila, through whose eyes we see events unfold, appears a bit shortchanged. Things happen to her, making her more of a reactor to situations. I would have a difficult time describing her appearance in this review, whereas I can easily recall a physical description of all the major supporting characters: Magda, Janey, Keziah and Ariadne (the earth mother-type lovers; one an artist, the other a healer, who dwell in a nearby cottage); the local vicar Casworan Martin—and the darkly handsome Jack Lord—neither man being what he seems. In some narrative constructions, often there needs to be a fulcrum of calm or sanity around which the zanier spokes of a narrative spin. But THE WHITE HARE doesn’t fall into that category. Mila is as broken as many of the other characters in the novel. And with such a multidimensional mother and daughter, Mila deserves more from her creator.

Nonetheless, THE WHITE HARE is an immersive read; and a thoroughly enjoyable journey into an inventive, mysterious, potentially dangerous, world (based on Cornwall’s rich history) where ancient spirits often collide with modern ways, including religion. The novel reminds us: Beware of hypocrites, liars, and predators. Respect the power of the earth and treat her well and she will richly reward you.

[I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review. My opinions are entirely my own.]

An enchanting story full of old cottages, myths, legends, and folklore taking place in Cornwall, England after the war in 1954.

The protagonist is Mila suffering from a recent, horrendous breakup from 5-year-old Janey’s father.
She and her mother, Magda are hoping for a new start as they take over the restoration of an old
cottage on the beautiful coast. Young Jane is a precocious child and uses her imagination with her
stuffed toy, Rabbit, when strange occurrences happen.

The town’s villagers are mysterious, scattered, and set in their ways. Jack, home from the war,
befriends the ladies and helps with the restoration team. Old wounds between mother and daughter
come to light and secrets are revealed.

This tale was so captivating that I could barely put it down! Jane Johnson’s writing is eloquent and lush with lovely descriptions of the wooded forests and the wild coast of Cornwall. She has a wonderful sense of history, romance and of the culture of Cornwall.

I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

A page-turning, compelling novel, set against the rugged, untamed backdrop of the Cornish Coast of England. I devoured this book in two days.

It's 1954 and three generations of mothers and daughters have landed in The White Valley to start a new life and restore a ramshackle manor house that once hosted lavish parties and highbrow guests. (Having traveled to Cornwall, my mind quickly went to Heligan and its somber backstory).

Magda, the emotionally distant matriarch, Mila, Magda's fragile daughter and Jayne, Mila's precocious 5-year-old, must now forge forward to rebuild a crumbling mansion and repair their fractured relationships.

Shortly after they arrive, a mysterious stranger seems to show up at every turn and young Jayne, together her beloved stuffed cohort Rabbit, senses the house is holding secrets of its dark and troubled past.

The storylines are richly interwoven and reveal deeply complex subject matters. This gothic tale is replete with enigmatic characters, folklore myths and shocking betrayals, all elevated by the spectacular scenery and haunted, hidden corners of England's remote Southwest coast.

A great summer read and a nostalgic journey back to Cornwall!

The White Hare by Jane Johnson

I truly enjoyed this book. It was smart and captivating. The characters were engaging and so well written. The magic and secrets held in the story merged beautifully with a young mother trying to rebuild her life with her emotionally detached mother and her bright, precocious daughter. I have become a great fan of this author!

A wonderful story of mothers and daughters. The things they say and the secrets they don’t. An overbearing mother and a widowed and wounded daughter and granddaughter.

Mila has been betrayed. By the father of her child. Now she is being bossed around by her mother. When Mila agrees to buy a rundown guest house in the wilds of Cornwall. The idea is to restore it to its former glory and run it as a B and B. And Magda is going full steam ahead. Running all over Mila and her daughter. Magda is a cold woman. She is used to getting her way and runs roughshod over everyone unless they can help her in some way.

Mila just wants quiet to raise her daughter. And now that they are here in the house, her daughter’s stuffed rabbit is now talking. Is it magic? Because he/she has company. Legends say that an enchanted white hare runs these woods. But does it bring bad luck or good luck? Right now it’s not looking too rosy.

Everyone is keeping secrets. Some are worse than others and finding out those secrets may break her bond with her mother, or is her mother also keeping secrets?

I loved this tale. Little Jane was such a character, as were most of them. Mothers and daughters are one of the most difficult relationships and most are based on assumptions and secrets. This was wonderful!

NetGalley/October 4th, 2022 by Simon Schuster

Magdalena, her daughter Mila and Janey, Mila’s young daughter move to White Valley in Cornwall to a house called White Cove in the summer of 1954. Thus begins the adventures, mysteries and uncertainty of this new home. Magda, a Polish immigrant tries her best to be as English as she can be. She is ambitious, stern, determined and can’t be bothered with her daughter or granddaughter for she has plans on restoring White Cove to its formal glory and opening a guest house. Mila is recovering from a devasting disaster of a marriage and moved as a way to escape her pain. Janey is a precocious child, who is far older than her young years allow for. She has a wonderful toy Rabbit who whispers all sorts of secrets to her, is it magic or a vivid imagination. What secrets did the white hare tell Janey? Who is Jack and how did he just appear? Things begin to change and why can’t Jack talk about his past? What happened at White Cove the neighbors won’t talk about?

This is my first novel by Jane Johnson. I liked the story, the magical aspects and the relationship between characters. The relationship between mother and daughter is full of angst and tension. The neighbors in the valley are a wonderful colorful addition. What I didn’t like was the author’s style of writing very verbose. I love a good description but not one where you are reading a lengthy paragraph to set the scene. It gives the impression of using words to take up space instead of telling a story. However, if you like magical aspects, a bit of mystery, family relations, then you will enjoy the story.

I love reading books about locations and old houses and the history they store for others to discover. This book doesn't disappoint. Throw in some mystery, a little love story, and a fair amount of magic and that's what this book is about. I read it in 2 days because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I would highly recommend.

Cornwall has always held a fascination with me so I was delighted to have the chance to read Jane Johnson's The White Hare. In it she presents a mystical, enchanted setting and peoples it with interesting characters. The protagonists are Magdalena the matriarch, Mila the grown daughter and Janey (Janeska) the granddaughter. The trio has fled London hoping for a new beginning. The year is 1954 and the atrocities of WWII linger on. Magda and Mila have purchased an abandoned house in The White Valley and hope to turn it into a guest house. Much renovation needs to be done and the women immediately face the locals suspicion of "incomers." Likewise, even before arriving at the derelict house, they encounter what seems to be a large white hare as they drive the rutted road to their new home. Only Janey, a precocious five year old, is nonplussed by the hare's brief appearance in the car's path. Local folklore, unexplained happenings and superstitions are enhanced by the small family's own Polish background which, too, has similar superstitions and myths.

As the house is renovated with the help of a mysterious man named Jack Lord more questions, odd occurrences and somewhat frightening experiences occur. Secrets abound, some of which have roots in the past. The color white figures in many of the myths, place names and strange happenings which makes the tale all the more enticing.

Jane Johnson has written a page turner of a fable cum mystery based on local legends and myths. Her acknowledgments and explanations at the end of the book will reveal even more surprises but read the book first and don't peek until you're done with the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this e-galley for and enjoyable early read.

A mystical fairy tale of sorts, this book draws you in, and I found myself unable to put it down as I attempted to unravel the mysteries within it. It is amazing the way this book slips from creepy to sad to romantic to infuriating with ease, and the ancient historical and mythical ties were fascinating.

This has to be one of the best books I have read in a long time.The story line and the setting in Cornwall was delightful.All the main characters are unique and likeable and easy to relate to.I was actually sorry to that book ended. I would highly recommend this book.

I’m not totally sure how to describe The White Hare. I did really enjoy the poetic tone of the story as it progressed along but it took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style.the author really knows how to write a beautiful setting and it was very easy for me to picture vividly what the characters were doing and what the house looked like. Overall I found The story boring at times and most of the characters were unlikable. I’ll look for more work from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

That was a lovely book. A treat for the eyes and the imagination. Lyrical prose, lush descriptions, thorough characters, and a good story. Tied together a little nicely at the end, but I loved the imagery behind it. I enjoyed this author's use of the language.
Mythical and mysterious with some history included made for a solid read that kept the pages turning. This is a story about Mile, Magda, and Janey's new adventure to Cornwall, where they've purchased and are rehabbing an old manor by the sea. They're hiding from their pasts and walking right into the history and the magic found in their home and property.

I received a prepub copy of this book for my honest review. I would absolutely recommend this book and I'll be seeking out more by Jane Johnson. I like the way she puts a page together.

I really got hooked from the beginning of The White Hare. It had some mystery, supernatural and fantasy all mixed together. The description of Cornwall and the country side was beautiful. Finding a rundown manor and fixing it up as a bed and breakfast was quite the undertaking for Magda and Mila. I adored Janey with her stories and her stuffed rabbit. I was expecting more from the history of the house at White Cove, and why everyone was afraid of it. This is the first book I have read by Jane Johnson, but I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy.

I really liked the first 75% of this novel. It was atmospheric and creepy, and the question of what horrible event had taken place in the house kept me hooked. However, I was disappointed by the last 25%. The scene where Jack/Will’s mysterious past is explained felt like an exposition dump and was resolved too quickly. Mila and Magda’s financial troubles being solved by the discovery of treasure seemed unrealistic and like a lazy deus ex machina. Finally, I do not understand why all of the villagers kept referencing something terrible happening in the house throughout the novel if no one knew Will’s mother was murdered?

This book was SO atmospheric and the lovely descriptions of the setting were some of my favourite parts of the book. I absolutely loved the adorable, five year old Janey. How the author was able to write a child so young so believable is beyond me. The character development is spot on and I loved watching Mila come into her own with her mother and how she grew as a person. The Cornish folklore was an education and I learned so much about it and enjoyed that immensely. This is very much a Gothic tale where the house is a character in and of itself. It is seeped in legends and the supernatural. I enjoyed this story very much, it was such a wonderfully mystical tale of love, loss forgiveness and transformation.

The White Hare is such a unique and heartwarming novel. It is about two mothers and two daughters who find themselves on the run from their previous lives. I love the way the author uses their secrets to create tension and action throughout the novel. They meet a mysterious man with an intriguing past of his own, and he becomes a big part of their story.

When three generation of women move into an abandoned house, they dream of bringing it back to live and making their living from hosting people and events there. However the house has a history, as does the White Valley, and the women are about to find out those secrets as well as having to confront some of their own.

While I love all things Cornwall, since my family roots are there, and I love magic, this one wasn’t quite what I was expecting given the reference to Alice Hoffman. It was a great read, but I think it could have gone a little deeper into the Pagan side of things and made it a wee bit more creepy to truly capture Hoffman’s audience. Regardless, I’d love to see more from this author and will look for her moving forward.

*I received a free ebook version from Netgalley*

Netgalley recommended this to me and it absolutely fell in line with the stories I love. There was a little bit of mystery, romance and magical realism, all without being too schmaltzy.

It reminded me of Practical Magic, mixed with Mexican Gothic and a dash of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie. I'll definitely add her other novels to my "To Read" list.

Wow. Such an epic tale of fantasy, supernatural, Cornish legend, love, hate , revenge mixed in with mystery. This book has something for everyone. When a woman, her mother and daughter move into a run down manor house , which the plan in making a bed and breakfast , they are faced with weird accidents, unexplained events and hostile villagers. As we work our way through the book e learn more about each character and how they react all meant to work together to find the truth and brin a peaceful ending to many story’s. I could put it down and I especially loved Janey’s part in the story. An impressionable but smart little girl she knew more then all of them if only they would listen to her.

I want thank Simon and Schuster Canada for allowing me to read the ARC of this ebook. A sweeping and epic tale with tantalizing stories. Brilliantly written book.

This was absolutely delightful. The plot was well-paced and captivating from start to finish. The characters were well-developed. I highly recommend this fun and quick read! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.