The White Hare

the spellbinding, escapist Cornish novel that will capture your heart

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 23 Jun 2022 | Archive Date 23 Jun 2022

Talking about this book? Use #TheWhiteHare #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

'A brilliant novel of love, loss, forgiveness, and healing wrapped in Cornwall start to finish.' Liz Fenwick 'This book does not hesitate to evoke a sense of wonder.' Robin Hobb

In a valley steeped in legend lies an abandoned house where Edens may be lost, found and remade...

The White Valley in the far west of Cornwall cuts deeply through bluebell woods down to the sea. The house above the beach has lain neglected since the war. It comes with a reputation, which is why Mila and her mother Magda acquire it so cheaply in the fateful summer of 1954.

Magda plans to restore the house to its former glory: the venue for glittering parties, where the rich and celebrated gathered for bracing walks by day and sumptuous cocktails by night. Mila's ambitions, meanwhile, are much less grand; she dreams of creating a safe haven for herself, and a happy home for her little girl, Janey.

The White Valley comes with a long, eventful history, laced with tall tales. Locals say that a white hare may be seen running through the woods there; to some she's an ill omen, to others a blessing. Feeling fragile and broken-hearted, Mila is in need of as many blessings as she can get. But will this place provide the fresh start she so desperately needs?

Praise for Jane Johnson:

'This book does not hesitate to evoke a sense of wonder. It's a renewal of 'what if' and it does that better than I've seen it done in quite a while' Robin Hobb
'Sings of an earth alive with power' Jackie Morris
'A brilliant novel of love, loss, forgiveness, and healing... I loved every page' Liz Fenwick

'A brilliant novel of love, loss, forgiveness, and healing wrapped in Cornwall start to finish.' Liz Fenwick 'This book does not hesitate to evoke a sense of wonder.' Robin Hobb

In a valley steeped...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781789545197
PRICE £7.99 (GBP)
PAGES 400

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)

Average rating from 37 members


Featured Reviews

Mila and Magda arrive at a remote house in Cornwall, with Janey, Mila's young daughter. I love the characters in this novel, right from the start Magda's bossiness is evident, and Mila's reaction to finding her daughter missing is panic, as opposed to Magda. But I will not reveal more of the plot, for fear of spoiling the novel. I have read Jane Johnson's books before, and this one did not disappoint. Written in beautiful language I really enjoyed the novel and would recommend it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

Was this review helpful?

Really loved reading "The White Hare" by Jane Johnson. It is the kind of book that really appeals to me - melding folklore, pagan, the plight of women, all set in the beautiful countryside of Cornwall. I really wish I could have read this book when on holiday in Cornwall to really soak up the atmosphere but never mind, I had memories of my holiday and this book to transfer me back there. It had some elements not too dissimilar to Kate Mosse books, especially in the end. Will be keeping an eye out for more books by Jane Johnson.

Was this review helpful?

A derelict house on the Cornish coast some to life in this Gothic by the incredibly talented Johnson. Three generations of women move to the house, which Mila and her mother Magda hope to restore to its former glory. Mila plans to make the house the house THE place for the glitterati of 1954 to congregate for drinks, dinner and the curative powers of nature. Magda is just hoping for a good, safe place to raise her daughter, Janey. Local folklore and superstition provide the Gothic note to this beautifully written story about family and the strength of women. For fans of Susanna Kearsley

Was this review helpful?

The White Hare by Jane Johnson

Not my usual read but I Really enjoyed this book.
A story of a woman and her child who move to a house in Cornwall in the early 1950s.
It was part fairy story , part the unusual arts , and intrigued me from start to finish.
I enjoyed the characters and whilst the story was almost dreamlike , they were totally believable which is credit to the wonderful author.
Will look out for other books by her.

Was this review helpful?

Mila, her mother Magda and Milas’ 5 year old daughter Janey have left London for the wilds of Cornwall, buying an old house, with the intention of turning it into a B&B. But tension runs deep in the relationship between the older mother and daughter pairing. At the start, Magda is very much the driving force, acerbic, opinionated and without any apparent love for her daughter. Mila, in the meantime, seems cowed by her mother, devoted to Janey but hankering back to the life she left. As the book gets into its stride the relationships change, not least because of Janey and Rabbit. I liked the way the wildness of the area in Cornwall is described, the depth of feeling that the locals have, to each other and outsiders. The history and mysticism of Cornwall is brought into the story really well, and feels very atmospheric. There is a good murder/mystery plot running through it, very well researched and in all a thoroughly enjoyable, intriguing read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

a novel about mothers and daughters
set in cornwall
local legends about white hares and what happens if you see one
a girl with a plush toy of a rabbit
magical realism
mystical

Was this review helpful?

Mila and her overbearing mother, Magda, move to a neglected old house in a deep valley in Cornwall, along with Mila’s daughter, Janey. They plan to restore it and turn it into an exclusive holiday retreat but soon learn that the locals do not like the house because of its dark history, which they are reluctant to talk about, and many are hostile to the new occupants. This setting is very atmospheric and has a strong Gothic feel to it. The Cornish legend woven through the story is fantastic and I loved the supernatural touches, which were done with a light hand. Most of the characters are very strong and memorable, but the one who I felt had the least personality was the main character, Mila. This is partly explained by her recent back story and also having always felt unloved and overwhelmed by her very strong mother, but at the same time I struggled to see what her attraction was for the main male character. I really enjoyed the story though and Jane Johnson remains one of my favourite authors.

Was this review helpful?

Well written with an almost beautiful prose, compelling storyline, well devekloped characters and a well described setting whose descriptions of the Cornish Countryside made me feel lke I was there. I loved it.

Was this review helpful?

I love Jane Johnson’s books; they always have such fascinating settings – 17th century Morocco in The Sultan’s Wife, 15th century Spain in The Court of Lions, and the author’s native Cornwall in The Tenth Gift. She returns to Cornwall again for her new novel, The White Hare, a book steeped in the myths and legends of that region of England.

The novel begins in 1954, with Mila Prusik, her mother Magda and five-year-old daughter Janey arriving at White Cove near Eglosberyan on the Cornish coast. Having left Poland for England during World War II, the family had been settled in London until a disastrous relationship with a married man left Mila desperate to make a fresh start. She and Magda have bought a neglected old house in the Cornish countryside and are planning to restore it to its former glory and turn it into a guest house. However, not everyone is happy to see the house under new ownership and the Prusiks receive a hostile welcome.

As Mila and her mother begin their restoration work, they hear hints from their neighbours that the house has a sinister past and should be left alone. The two women think this is nonsense and continue with their plans, but Mila becomes increasingly concerned about the changes in Janey’s behaviour – particularly her obsession with Rabbit, a stuffed toy that seems to have a mind of its own. How is all of this related to sightings of the legendary White Hare and to the strange symbols and carvings Mila finds all over the house and its grounds?

The White Hare is one of the most atmospheric books I’ve read for a while, not just because of the supernatural aspects – which are subtle, ambiguous and unsettling – but also because of the way the setting is so beautifully described. As Jane Johnson explains in her author’s note, the town of Eglosberyan and its valley are not real but are inspired by several real places. I could easily picture the white house surrounded by dark woodland, the stream tumbling between mossy rocks, the lonely beach framed by granite cliffs – they are all brought so vividly to life.

I also found it interesting to follow the relationship between Mila and Magda. When they first arrive in Cornwall, Mila is timid and submissive, allowing herself and Janey to be bullied by the hard and domineering Magda, but both characters do grow and change throughout the novel as the valley works its magic on them. There’s also a love interest for Mila, but although I did like him I felt that this part of the story took too much of a dramatic turn towards the end. Still, this is a very enjoyable novel and, while it’s quite different from the other Jane Johnson books I’ve read, being set entirely in one period and not as far into the past, I liked it just as much.

Was this review helpful?

‘In a valley steeped in legend lies an abandoned house where Edens may be lost, found and remade...’

It’s 1954 and Mila, her daughter Janey and her mother Magda move from London to a remote valley in West Penwith, Cornwall, known as The White Valley, having bought a run-down house located between the sea and the woods. However, not is as it seems as there is a reason they managed to buy such a grand house for a great price. Superstitions, folklore, and rumours run wild in Cornwall and as well as being ‘outsiders’, not only for coming from London but also being Polish, settling in does not come with ease.

Magda has grand plans for the house, as she strives to have it restored to its former glory and run as B&B, where guests will enjoy lavish breaks in the countryside and be entertained with brilliant parties mingling with high society. However, Mila only wants to make this a safe home to bring up her daughter, a new start for them both, but the history of the valley makes life very uneasy. There is a white hare which roams The White Valley; not all get to see her but if they do, they are unsure if she is an omen or a blessing.

Oh, my goodness this is a superbly unsettling, eerie, atmospheric story but so perfectly balanced as I found myself smiling and chuckling from time to time which lightened the tone. However, these moments where I let my guard down never lasted for long as I was soon sitting on the edge of my seat again. It is character-driven through Mila where the story slowly unfolds, and layer upon layer is peeled away revealing either an event or revelation, I was just engrossed as I never knew what was coming. It is also beautifully rich in superstitions and folklore, seamlessly blending tales from Poland with Cornish tales and rich in Cornish history. I now need a trip to West Penwith to learn and explore further. This superb book is out this Thursday 23rd June!

Was this review helpful?

In the far west of Cornwall lies the White Valley, which cuts deeply through Bluebell Woods down to the sea at White Cove. The Valley has a long and bloody history, laced with folklore, and it sits a house above the beach that has lain neglected since the war. It comes with a reputation and a strange atmosphere, which is why mother and daughter, Magdalena and Mila manage to acquire it so cheaply in the summer of 1954. Magda has grand plans to restore the house to it's former glory as a venue for glittering parties. Her daughter Mila just wants to escape the scandal in her past and make a happy home for her daughter Janey.

The story explores the Cornish folklore and it's an atmospheric read. Magda and Mila buy a gothic styled house that they want to restore but both have different visions for it's use after the restorations are complete. The Cornish legend is entwined with the supernatural. Mila's daughter, five year old Janey, behaviour changes almost overnight, She becomes obsessed with a toy rabbit. This is a descriptively and well written book. The characters are well developed and believable. I quite enjoyed this book.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeadOfZeus and the author #JaneJohnston for my ARC of #TheWhiteHare in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A historical, mystical tale set in Cornwall in 1954 explores Cornish folklore, the natural world and human relationships. The author creates an atmospheric ethos that is a primary motivator in the story. After a scandalous relationship implodes, Mila moves to a gothic-style house with her mother and young daughter. The locals are wary of incomers, and the house has a dark history. Mila wonders if she has made a mistake.

I love the mystical quality of the tale and how Mila gradual realises her worth through meeting some of the valley's unusual inhabitants. The gentle pacing allows the reader to appreciate the sensory imagery and secrets within the lyrical writing.

It's a story of acceptance, renewal and love.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Was this review helpful?

A run down house in Cornwall and a mother-daughter relationship in need of repair make the basis for a beautifully atmospheric read. Mila, her daughter Janey and her mother Magda move to Cornwall to escape a scandal with Mila's marriage. The locals are less than welcoming to begin with, but when Janey talks of seeing the White Hare, long-buried secrets begin to emerge and the community come together in support. A brilliant read which I devoured in a single day, the characters were easy to identify with and the plot moved along at the right pace. Would definitely like to read more by Jane Johnson.

Was this review helpful?

"The woods feel very different this time, as if they are watchful, aware of our presence. It is not a hostile atmosphere, not menacing, but somehow 'full' - not just with sounds and colour, but with life."

I have always been a big fan of Jane Johnson's writing style, as she has an uncanny ability to bring scenes to life, no matter what time-period or part of the world they happen to be in. Finding out that she was writing another book set in Cornwall, made me incredibly happy. The White Hare is a slow-burn, beautifully written, atmospheric book about three generations of women in Cornwall. It explores local folklore and pagan beliefs, it shines a light on the acceptance of strangers and it is the story of a woman and her mum, growing closer together.

In The White Hare we meet Mila and her mom Magda. In the summer of 1954 they are able to cheaply purchase an old house in the White Cove, Cornwall, where they swiftly move to from London, as Mila escapes a rather scandalous relationship. Together with little five-year old Janey, they set out to restore the house to its former glory, and open it up as a B&B. However, slowly but surely it becomes apparent that something has happened at the property. Locals shy away from it, and are not nearly as welcoming to Mila and Magda and their plans as the women would have hoped. When Janey starts to displays odd behavior, from elaborate conversations with her toy rabbit to drawing a rather specific pattern, which Mila also discovers in other places around the house and the village, Mila becomes increasingly worried about their venture in White Cove.

While different from her other books, Johnson once again manages to make a place and a range of characters come to life. From the lush foresty green around the property, to the gales hitting the beaches and from the gothic house to the intense but interesting villagers, everything appears easily in your mind's eye when going through the pages. It is a slow-burn of a story and for me it really was all about sitting with the scenery and the characters, more so than the plot. That said, I loved the transformation in Mila and seeing the changed relationship between her and her mom.

Was this review helpful?

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. I was drawn to it by the beautiful cover, and when I first started reading I wasn't at all sure I was going to enjoy it. There seemed to be so many cliches: people escaping from something in their past, old dilapidated house in the middle of nowhere, hostile neighbours, strange goings on, sensitive child. I felt the story was put together from pieces of other books.

However, although there are stereotypes and familiar themes in the book it has enough originality and freshness to make it an enjoyable and worthwhile read. The pace is quick, the plot has a few interesting twists and turns and it's brought to a satisfying conclusion. And I loved the prologue!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy for review.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: