‘Mac Donald has succeeded in making the art of translation centre stage in a thrilling, witty, violent and mysterious debut filled with scheming characters.’ – Jen Calleja, author and translator, Shortlisted for The Man Booker International Prize

‘The characters, setting and the issues at stake will all linger long after you’ve finished reading it.’ – Domitilla Campanile, Professor of History, University of Pisa

‘In lush historic prose, Elizabeth Mac Donald leads the reader on a complex journey, where all interactions are tinged with superstition and suspicion.’ – Nuala O’Connor, author of Becoming Belle

‘A fascinating sliver of history and a truly original book.’ – Alan Robert Clark, author of The Prince of Mirrors

‘Mac Donald’s style is crisp and captivating.’ – Biancamaria Rizzardi, Professor of English Literature, University of Pisa

‘A book to read with a glass of port and a dagger nearby.’ – George Szirtes, poet and translator

Author Elizabeth Mac Donald will be appearing in the Edinburgh International Book Festival - https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on/stefan-hertmans-elizabeth-mac-donald