Three brothers are the only boys left in an orphanage whose dark secret is the reason for their existence and the key to their survival. A profoundly unnerving exploration of belonging in a world where some lives are valued less than others. A story that gradually surrenders its dark secrets and brings to light the horrifying truth about the orphanage’s origins and the boys likely fate. Few readers will finish this book unshaken.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐲

Catherine Chidgey is always trying new things and that’s what I love about her. The Book of Guilt is her first foray into dystopian fiction. Set in an alternate 1979 England, the story unfolds in a world where the Second World War ended in 1943 with Hitler's assassination, leading to a peace treaty and subsequent collaboration with Nazi Germany. This collaboration includes the sharing of medical research, some of which originates from unethical experiments conducted in concentration camps. The narrative centers on 13-year-old triplets—Vincent, William, and Lawrence—who reside in Captain Scott House, a children's home under the government's Sycamore Scheme. They are raised by three maternal figures, known as Mother Morning, Mother Afternoon, and Mother Night, and are monitored through three books: The Book of Dreams, The Book of Knowledge, and The Book of Guilt. The boys dream of escaping to the Big House in Margate, a promised utopia. However, as they grow older, they begin to question their reality and the true nature of their existence.

The thing is, this does feel a little like Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, with a focus on the lives of children in an institution and the gradual revelation of their purpose. But there are more political dimensions here, exploring state-sanctioned dehumanization, societal complicity, and the ethical implications of scientific

It’s quite a haunting book, and the exploration of identity and ethics was fascinating. Chidgey's adept storytelling and the novel's rich atmosphere make it a page-turner. While it draws parallels to Ishiguro's work, it also offers a distinct narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of societal structures and individual agency.

I 'discovered' Catherine Chidgey last year with The Axeman's Carnival and was blown away by her storytelling style. The Book of Guilt is a completely different story, but the same magic Chidgey storytelling ability is present on every page.

I was captivated from page one, in a way that I wasn't with Ishiguro's Never Let me Go, which everyone is naturally comparing this book to. I confess that I never got what the fuss was about with Never Let Me Go despite being a HUGE ishiguro fan. The story of the triplets life in Sycamore House in a 1979 that is not quite the 1979 we remember. In this world, WWII ended when Hitler was killed by an assassin with a bomb. No-one won or loss the war. It just ended. Chidgey explores the impact this alternate reality might have had on the progress of science and medicine and the ethics surrounding its use.

This is one book where the alternating chapters does not grate on the reader. You can sense the various strands slowly coming together and Chidgey gradually reveals the details of this world and the tragedy at the heart of this story. I couldn't put this down.

I read Catherine Chidgey's book The Axeman's Carnival last year and really enjoyed how unusual the subject matter was. I mean a talking magpie that helps support a woman in an oppressive marriage? She strikes me as an author that really pushes herself to try new things as from what I gather some of her other books like Pet (which I have but haven't read yet) and Remote Sympathy are very different.

This variety of topic and style has continued with The Book of Guilt which was just recently released. This was a creepy unsettling dystopian type novel set in the seventies in England with a completely unexpected storyline.

At a huge country house teenagers Vincent, Lawrence and William are the last remaining residents and a part of the government's Sycamore Scheme. Each day is the same, they do chores, play games and take the medicine they are required to all the while being cared for by three mothers - Mother Morning, Mother Afternoon and Mother Night. Their nightmares are recorded in The Book of Dreams. Their lessons are taken from The Book of Knowledge. And their sins are reported in The Book of Guilt.

As the government plans to shut down the Sycamore Homes the triplets, particularly Vincent, start to have doubts about what they've been told about their lives. What comes next is a slow unfolding of a horrifying series of events that have led to the triplets being who and what they are. It is really hard to say much more than this without spoiling the reveals.

Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. It was a great premise and truly unsettling but it just didn't hold my interest enough to really love it. But I do think it suffered from me reading it over a longer period than I'd normally read a book so perhaps a slightly more me issue than that of the book. Catherine Chidgey is a talented author and I'm looking forward to trying out Pet soon.

Catherine Chidgey’s The Book of Guilt is an alternate history played out mainly in a slightly different world of 1970s Britain. It is a book that plays its revelations very close to its chest, letting the readers try and figure things out first through hints and clues. Chidgey builds a sense of both fascination and dread as small details are revealed. And in doing so Chidgey explores ideas of prejudice, belonging, connection and ultimately, what it means to be human.
The Book of Guilt centres around triplets Vincent, Lawrence and William who are the last residents at an odd orphanage in Britain in the late 1970s as part of something called the Sycamore program. Readers quickly learn that this is an alternative Britain in which Hitler was assassinated in 1943 and the war quickly ended after that with an armistice. It is hinted, that as a result, German wartime medical experiments on prisoners became part of mainstream science and research. Twenty-five years later, these boys are somehow part of that research tradition, although it takes quite a while to find out how.
When the book opens, the British government has decided to shut the Sycamore program down. The Minister responsible has been charged with closing the homes and finding new homes for the remaining children. Although that proves difficult as the children of the homes have a bad reputation, and that are not seen as entirely human. Meanwhile, in another thread a teenager called Nancy is kept trapped in the family home by her parents.
Much of the book is told from either Vincent or Nancy’s fairly naïve points-of-view. This allows Gidgey to drop hints about what is going on, while building a solid picture of their worlds. She does so in a way that readers understand more than the characters themselves, a technique that increases the tension. The third point of view is that of the Minister, who is caught in a political quagmire while trying to do the right thing by the Sycamore children.
There is plenty to chew on thematically here. Starting with the dehumanisation of prisoners of war and their use for medical research by Nazi doctors. And then just the general use of humans as test subjects, whether or not there is a broader social benefit down the line. But Gidgey also considers broader issues such as nature versus nurture, the treatment of children in institutions more broadly and how people deal with grief.
The Book of Guilt is reminiscent of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, both in its alternate history/retro styling and some of its themes. But while she explores some of the same moral and ethical landscape, Gidgey does set this book apart with her young, naïve narrators and broader construction of her world. And she layers her world and the situations that her characters find themselves in into a slow burn thriller with heart and plenty to think about and devastative, poignant conclusion.

I really enjoyed reading the ‘The Book of Guilt’. I was captured by the stories of three brothers and their lives within a 1970’s boys home and the peculiar life of Nancy and her parents. At first I thought the story quite innocent, boys playing in fields and living in the country. However, glimpses of something more dark would creep up and make you question their existence. From the towns people, to the carers, to the odd conversations and the Minister of Lonliness’ role, we realise that the world in which these children live is more sinister and un-kind. The final chapters draw you in and the suspense and mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know more.
This would have to be one of my favourite contemporary fiction novels this year and is out now. Thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC copy for my honest review.

In a dystopian 1970s Britain, thirteen year old identical triplets William, Vincent and Lawrence are the last children left in the Captain Scott Home for Boys. They are cared for round the clock by three women who feed, clothe and educate them and make sure they take any medicine prescribed by the doctor who visits. Their dreams are recorded in the Book of Dreams and all their wrong doings are written down in the Book of Guilt. They seem to be leading a fairly normal, if boring childhood, where they are allowed to play outside and occasionally run errands to the local village, but do not go to school or mix with other children. The boys dream of leaving to go to a new home in Margate by the sea where other children from the home have been sent. However, their lives are about to change when the Government decides to close the home.

Gradually a sinister edge creeps into this unsettling tale, as it’s slowly revealed why the boys are in the home and what is planned for them. It’s dark and truly horrifying and makes for an exceptionally good read!

I found this novel different from what I would normally read. It certainly kept my interest as I was not sure which direction it was going. It took halfway through before the dots joined and then became compelling to keep reading. I found it a bit sad and cruel in sections but all in the contexts of the story. Overall a good read if you are seeking something different.

This is my first Catherine Chidgey and was an unexpected pleasure.
The story centres around triplets in 1970s England. They live in a home with three 'mothers ' and record their dreams and faults. Other main characters include the Minister of loneliness and Nancy. The story weaves into a surprising conclusion that smacks of a possible dystopia future.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
Fans of Margaret Atwood and George Orwell will enjoy.

In an England not too far removed, a triplet of 13-year old boys—the last remaining residents of a secluded care home, part of the government's 'Sycamore Scheme'—imagine a life of sun, sea and fairground rides. The Book of Knowledge holds their truths, the Book of Dream portends their future, the Book of Guilt seals their fate.
With measured patience, the secrets of this unsettling and strange novel are revealed. Who is the dark-haired girl in their shared dreams? Why are the locals in the village forbidden to engage with them? Will Dr Roach's canary-yellow pills make them better, or keep them sick? Why was there a page missing from the Book of Knowledge? Why was the Minister of Loneliness visiting the home?
Maybe not a page turner, but a well-written, emotionally charged and thought provoking story, this is Catherine Chidgey's ninth novel, but the first of hers I've read. By no means the last, though.
But it leaves the question unanswered: how far could you go for 'the greater good'?
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the advanced book to review read and review.
Four stars

England, 1979. Vincent, Lawrence and William are the last remaining residents of a secluded New Forest home, part of the government’s Sycamore Scheme. Everyday, the triplets, under the watchful eyes of Mother Morning, Mother Afternoon and Mother Night, do their chores, play their games and most importantly, they take their medicine.

All the boys want, is to get better so they can be sent to the Big House in Margate where a life of sun, sea and fairground rides await them.
But as the government looks to shut down the scheme, the triplets begin to question everything, including how far the government would go to keep their secrets hidden.

This is such an interesting idea and while a little slow at the start, I love the way the truths about the Sycamore Scheme are revealed. Just when you think that it can’t possibly get more twisted, there’s a new revelation that just makes your stomach turn.

Without saying too much, this is an interesting dystopian novel which makes us question how far we’d go in the name of science and what would be the line that we’d cross to make that happen.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia, NetGalley and the author for my copy of this book in exchange for a review

Identical triplets Vincent, Lawrence and William are kept confined in their home with their ‘mothers’ (Mother Morning, Mother Afternoon and Mother Night) as part of the secretive Sycamore Scheme. They’re monitored constantly, with their dreams and transgressions documented meticulously by their mothers in the Book of Dreams and Book of Guilt.

The boys don’t know any different from their sheltered and controlled experience, only being allowed occasional visits into their local village. Why are they in Scott House at all? Why are they kept from mixing with the general population? Set in an alternative history 1970s Britain, The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey is an unsettling and dystopian investigation into how the world would be different if (without giving any spoilers away) humanity made alternative scientific discoveries.

I loved, loved, loved this book. It will really get you thinking deeply about some fairly deep ethical questions while still being a twisty and gripping read. I honestly could have read another hundred pages, the writing was so fantastic and eery. The author did a great job at tying up loose ends throughout the story so the ending was satisfying and well thought out. I’m finding it hard to fault this incredibly imaginative book in any way. The Book of Guilt is sure to be one of my favourite books this year!

5 ⭐️

Thank you Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I just finished The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidley and I have to say I really enjoyed it. This isn't my normal kind of read, but it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. At first it reminded me of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Randsom Riggs, especially as it starts out in a boarding home for boys and has this dark sort of feel to it.

The novel follows three different characters, Vincent, Nancy and The Minister for Loneliness, as they all uncover more about the home and the Sycamore Scheme. I found it quite fast-paced, like almost every page seems to have some sort of revelation on it. The first few were quite small and they sort of built up till they felt almost catastrophic, which I think was thanks to Chidgey's world building. The worlds all three of them create seem almost completely different and the similar at the same time. She was able to give you the history and law around this whole scheme without knowledge dumping on you; but I legitimately understood how this world worked and so every revelation hit that much harder it was amazing.

I was absolutely engrossed for the last several chapters to the point that even my oreo cake could be barely distract me! If that isn't a good recommendation of this book, then I dont know what is.

Firstly I’d like to thank NetGalley for the preview copy of this amazing novel, one that I loved and will come back to in the future.
Catherine Chidgey has conjured up a magically evocative 1970’s rural English setting. Memories from my childhood came flooding back ( my Nan playing spot the ball in the newspaper, I’d completely forgotten that! ) So much that was familiar but then jarring incongruences and unsettling events that point to a post WW2 society that has evolved with very different ethical standards than those we expect today. Questions about humanity, medical trials, good versus evil, nature versus nurture….everyday people and those in power who either close their eyes to the horrors or rationalise what they know.
We follow the story of institutionalised children cared for by three “mothers” and a “doctor”. A daughter brought up in a seemingly normal family but confined to her house and garden. A “Minister for Loneliness” who has difficulty decisions to make.
Great characters, original and thought provoking narrative ….I highly recommend thus novel and leave this review voluntarily.

3.5⭐️
The story of triplet boys living separated from the general population in the Sycamore Scheme run by the English government. Chapter by chapter we learn more about the boys but are also introduced to Nancy, being raised by her overprotective parents who seem to have something to hide from her and the world.
Strangely I got more interest in Nancy's storyline than the boys. I think due to the boys' story taking so long to be told. A good read although I wish the Sycamore side of things had moved along a bit quicker.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the arc of this book for review.

I was really intrigued by the synopsis of The Book of Guilt. The unsettling atmosphere, the mystery surrounding the Sycamore Scheme, and the triplets' yearning for a normal life all had the potential for a gripping story. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me.

While Chidgey establishes a suitably creepy environment, the plot meanders and the pacing is glacial. The secrets hinted at in the blurb unravel far too slowly, and when they finally do, they feel underwhelming. The characters, particularly the triplets, remain frustratingly underdeveloped. I never truly connected with them or felt invested in their struggles.

The constant references to the books (The Book of Dreams, The Book of Knowledge, etc.) felt repetitive and heavy-handed, rather than adding to the story's atmosphere. While the writing is competent, it lacked the spark needed to elevate the material. Overall, The Book of Guilt felt like a missed opportunity. It had all the ingredients for a compelling read, but the slow pace and lack of character development left me feeling disappointed.

The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey

The year is 1979 in England, there stands on the edge of the woods just across the river a house for boys, Captain Scott House, where three thirteen-year-old orphans live; Vincent, Lawrence and William. They are identical triplets who believe their parents both dies from heart attacks. They are raised and taught by three mothers; Mother Morning, Mother Afternoon and Mother Night.

In the morning at five am Mother Morning starts her day, the first thing she does is ask each boy what he dreamt and writes it in the Book of Dreams, they then eat breakfast and have lessons from the Book of Knowledge. At one o’clock Mother Afternoon comes on duty and is with the boys until nine pm when Mother Night comes and stays awake all night in case she is needed. If a child misbehaves his punishment is having his misbehaviour written up in the Book of Guilt where anyone can read it. They have a regular physician, Dr. Alastair Roach, who comes regularly to check on the boys and prescribe them all kinds of different medications that the mothers make sure they take.

Sometimes a boy is sent on an errand into the village to buy some bread or buttons but only if he promises to be on his best behaviour. It is during these errands that the boys notice the villagers are cautious of them, almost like they are contagious and the village children have been known to beat them and laugh saying “see they feel no pain”. Why are they treated like this?

One day the Minister of Loneliness comes to visit, she tells them their home that they have lived in all their lives since they were born is to be closed but they will hopefully have a family to live with.

Only a few hours away lives thirteen-year-old Nancy with her parents. She is not allowed out, just to her backyard sometimes and only if no one else is around. If anyone comes to the house she has to hide and not be seen. Why are her parents keeping her a secret?

This book is written from three points of view; Vincent, Nancy and Silvia Dalton; The Minister of Loneliness.

I enjoyed this book very much and kept trying to work out who the triplets were and why they were treated like second class citizens but I could never have guessed the real truth.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin Random House Australia for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliant. So unsettling and eerie, it was totally immersive. Already hanging out for whatever Catherine writes next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars

This is one of those stories that you keep thinking about late at night when everything is quiet and still.

The Book of Guilt explores the lives of Triplets who are the last remaining residents of a New Forest home, part of the government's "Sycamore Scheme".

It's a slow burn to start, as we explore this home through the eyes of one of the boys. As many books with a narrator that is restricted in what they know of the world, building their world and understanding their lives can take time. But as the government starts to shut down the "sycamore scheme" it becomes clear that things are not quite what they seem...

Unnerving, and dark, I could not put it down after about 30%, desperate to find out what was actually going on. I love a dystopian novel, and this one was so different and ecompassing. I absolutely recommend it.

I was so lucky to be given this book to read and honestly review as an advanced copy by Penguin Randon House and Net Galley - thank you!

Dystopian fiction and a mesmerising read.

Post war Britain is not the Britain we know. It's 1979 and the story follows two strands. A set of triplets at a boys home, they are the last residents at the home, part of the Sycamore scheme. And Nancy, a girl who's parents never let her out into the public, and hide her in the cupboard if anybody comes to the house.

It's a slow reveal as we learn, along with the triplets, what the Sycamore scheme is all about. We also learn how the lives of the boys are linked to Nancy.

A read with sinister undertones, it's haunting, addictive and thought provoking.