Good for people who like: Historical fiction with a touch of magic, women overcoming societal constraints, modern gothic fiction.

The Gifts is a stunning historical fantasy set in 1840. Victorian London comes to life, and the characters are memorable. There are several narrators alternating between short chapters - each is distinct and adds something important to the story.

Wings painfully sprout from the back of a woman in a forest in rural Shropshire. The body of a fallen angel is found washed up in the Thames. Three other women struggle to carve a life for themselves under different kinds of constraint and pain: marriage in the mid to upper levels of society, a grieving unmarried mother who has lost her child at birth, and a journalist finding her voice despite poverty and gender discrimination. A surgeon believes he has been granted a miracle from God when both the body of the Thames angel and a living angel are granted to him. It will make his career, but at what cost? The stories of these characters intertwine and build to an emotional finale.

There is a moralistic element of the downward spiral of a flawed character driven by career vanity, and a strong theme of women trying to find their place in a world built for men. The age of discovery and battle between nature and science weaves their way through this book. Delusion and misogyny combine to a dangerous obsession.

A beautiful story which is easy to devour. Highly recommend for readers of gothic historical fiction or light fantasy.

This book was reviewed by Cathy.

With thanks to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Shelves: General Fiction (Adult); Historical Fiction; Fantasy; February 2022

I am woman; hear me roar. Liz Hyder’s scintillating novel is set in the past but has tremendous resonance for today. I loved her YA book, Bearmouth, but with The Gifts, Hyder has excelled herself, using her love of nature and science to create a magnificent book that is both elemental and profound.

The Gifts is about the importance of nature and treasuring your environment and at the same time it is a feminist cry. Set in nineteenth century London, amid the male medical fraternity, it shows us in illuminating fashion just how vainglorious men can be and how ambition and vanity can come together with the dominant ideology of the patriarchy to create monsters.

The Gifts is told from the perspective of 5 women. Mary is a journalist, scraping a living and supplementing her income by sewing buttons onto card. Etta is an outcast in her own home. Spurned by her half-brother, she is sent to live in the grounds of her Shropshire home where she studies and documents the nature and wildlife around her. Stupidly supposing her work will be of value to the men who write learned tomes about such things, she finds that her sex militates against her observations being taken in any way seriously. With her brown skin, she is already an outcast before her sex is taken into account.

Natalya is grieving a profound loss; she is hurting to her very core and being so far away from home, she is lost and so very alone. She seeks refuge in a place where everyone should feel safe, but houses of worship are no barrier to those whose god like aspirations drive them forward.

Annie is a painter. Married to Edward, she wants to see her husband succeed in his chosen profession as a surgeon and man of science, but Edward has more grandiose dreams; dreams that come to obsess and consume him until he loses all reason.

There is one other woman who is lost almost before we begin, but it is she who begins our magical journey and becomes the catalyst for all that follows.

Each of these women is gifted in different ways. Each is an individual who has suffered because of who they are and what life has bestowed on them. Their experience manifests itself in a glorious, stunning fashion.

Liz Hyder creates a fascinating, repressive world that is both gothic and magical. Her gift is for the best kind of storytelling and I was entranced. I was wholly drawn into this world and I loved that as I read and heard these stories, it made me think about my own life and my relationship to the values that I hold close.

Verdict: An immersive, spell-binding, propulsive story with fabulous characters that allows you to get wholly drawn into the story of their lives which makes the violence perpetrated against them all the more devastating. This is a glorious book that combines historical fiction with magical realism and yet carries huge contemporary resonance. I absolutely adored it and it is undoubtedly one of my books of the year. Go and buy it. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

When I saw the blurb for this book I was intrigued and was expecting somewhat of a different story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning and the ending was satisfying. However, I do think it lost its way slightly in the middle. That could just be me though.

We follow several characters and I have to say I liked spending time with Mary the most. She was a charming character and, for me, the heart of the novel.

I was interested to see how the stories would connect, were they to do so as I assumed. This is quite cleverly done.

There is a rather fantastical element to the story but apart from this one particular part the rest is grounded firmly in realism. I did expect slightly more magical realism going in. Once I realised that it wasn't to be that sort of story I did find this compelling and satisfying.

My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

From the author of Bearmouth, comes this immensely enjoyable and atmospheric novel which brilliantly conveys the frustration of the female characters and demonstrates the undertones of how women were treated and dismissed so easily by society at the time.

There’s a real ethereal feel to the story from start to finish and the story of the fallen angels who appear at various points add a unique twist to the tale. Set in 19th century London, the buzz is created by the appearance of these fallen angels who captivate and fascinate those who hear of them. No more so than those in the medical world who are overwhelmed with ideas of how these ‘angels’ can further their careers and standings. They will go to desperate lengths to be the star of the show and make their names, no matter the cost.

It’s a book that crosses the historical element with a little magical realism to brilliantly. Set against the backdrop of showing how women were not being taken seriously no matter how well they excelled in their field, whilst the men were front and centre and using the subjects as a competition – a way to show off and claim the plaudits.

The female characters were so absorbing and watching their stories evolve was expertly crafted to give a wonderful flow and link to the overall sense of the time. And any book that has gardening and auriculas mentioned is going to be a big hit for me!!

It’s also a book that angers as you witness these women just seen as possessions devoid of any rights and the way they were just used was indicative of the time and gives the story a great anchor as you find yourself willing the tide to turn!!

Captivating, unique and wonderful!!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, it was very cleverly written although a little too hard to read in places. A recommended read.

Read through netgalley for an honest review.
This one took me a while to get into but I’m glad I stuck with it. It’s the story of 4 different women really and reminded me of “the rabbit queen” in a number of ways. I liked the premise of the story and found myself excited to finish reading.
Would recommend and 4 stars for the slow and slightly confusing star.

The Gifts is a beautiful and engrossing tale set in October 1840. When a young woman finds a pair of wings protruding from her back, rumours of a fallen angel begin to take London by storm. When a surgeon finds the most unbelievable corpse, he believes this will be the making of the fame and fortune he has always dreamt of. As the obsession grips him tighter, he goes in search of others like the corpse, threatening the lives of those he seeks.

The Gifts has quite a mysterious synopsis so I wasn’t really sure what to expect going in. I won’t say much about the plot – this is definitely one of those books that it’s best to go in knowing nothing. Early on in the story, I was hooked and I raced through the book in a few days. Hyder has written a really engaging story, one I could not look away from. It was well-paced and the sights and sounds of London really came to life. I really enjoyed the blend of historical fiction and magical realism and felt it was really well crafted.

The Gifts has some really compelling characters and I grew really invested in the story of these women. The story focuses in on the treatment of women and is at times quite hard-hitting. The multiple perspectives in this book were also well crafted. Rarely do I find a book where I enjoy all the points of view equally, but I was eager to see what was going to happen to all the characters in this one. The Gifts is a dark and addictive read – in particular the short chapters had me turning pages faster and faster, desperate to know how it was all going to end. If you’re looking for a story that will have you hooked right until the very last sentence, The Gifts should definitely be your next read.

This is a novel based on a slightly bizarre concept - in the mid-nineteenth century, a number of women grow wings. In an age of scientific discovery also still heavily influenced by religious beliefs, this piques the interest of doctors and captures the public imagination.

The story is narrated in short vignettes, alternating between the voices of the two women with wings, a feisty would-be female journalist, and the wife of the surgeon who sees an opportunity to achieve fame and fortune by exploiting the winged women, the ‘gifts’ of the title, sent to him by God.

This is Liz Hyder’s first adult novel, and the style is more like that of a YA novel - short sections, quite a lot of telling not showing, just slightly overstated generally. Some interesting themes are explored, but very clunkily - male arrogance, overweening pride, an assumption that women are inferior, and in amongst that, an emergence of female independence and the beginning of a change in some men’s attitudes towards that. But the juxtapositions are rather clumsy and simplistic, the wings are never explained, the characters are not very well developed. I did not really find this a satisfying read.

October 1840. The story begins when a young woman suddenly grows a miraculous set of wings in the middle of the Shropshire countryside. With this rather unexpected opening, the author takes us on an adventure through 19th century London as we follow esteemed surgeon Edward trying to make his mark in history.

I absolutely loved this book. It is told through several narrative voices so that we are constantly seeing the situation unfold from several different perspectives. Whilst this does take some getting used to (the chapters are incredibly short so you are constantly jumping from character to character), the end result is a fast paced and exciting split-narrative novel.

The themes of obsession and ambition are beautifully explored, as well as the cost of such ambition. The coexistence of science and advancing scientific discovery alongside the existence of God was also an interesting concept that I thought the author presented excellently.

This book reminded me of Frankenstein with its exploration of scientific ambition, The Doll Factory in its representation of obsession and The Mermaid Of Black Conch in its depiction of man's flaws: why can't humanity just appreciate and admire something beautiful without the urge to possess and control?

I loved the characters in this book: from the "angels" themselves, to aspiring journalist Mary. And despite his flaws, I enjoyed the character of Edward, despite how massively misguided and blinded by ambition he was.

I'm so glad I got chance to read and review this stunning book and I can't wait to get a physical copy to be added to my collection.

Thank you to Netgalley, Manilla Press and Liz Hyder for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. I've enjoyed every word!

Oh my word this book is a treat. Liz Hyder's first adult fiction book does not disappoint. A tale of four women in a Victorian man's world each trying to find her identity and assert her power - and believe me, each woman has a distinct 'power': magical, ethereal, knowing, wise. The novel explores medicine, science, nature, religion...and the folly of male ambition. It is magical realism at it's best, with punchy short chapters that capture your interest and tease the reader. You will not forget this novel in an hurry - it's dark magic and powerful metaphor will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

Enjoyable but leaves questions.
Loved the descriptions of London, smells, sights and sounds.
Three women develop wings and become a sought after curiosity, there is no explanation for this transformation and it is as shocking to the women as it is to any witness.
Edward Meake a surgeon discovers the Angels and thinks they are a personal message to him from God, his cruelty and perceived ownership of another person is disturbing and outrageous even for the Victorian age. The two surviving Angels have complex and intriguing backgrounds. A female journalist Mary has financial difficulties due to her drunken but well meaning Uncle.
Lots of twists and turns.

This book had one of the most interesting opening chapters. It starts with a young woman grieving over the loss of her dog companion. While she is grieving (she also happens to be in the woods for an extra eerie setting) she suddenly sprouts two wings. She is utterly confused (and so are we as an audience)..

This book then takes us back 8 days earlier and takes in turn 5 different perspectives leading up to this moment.

This book had a fantastic setting for history and was easy to imagine the places and atmosphere of these places by the authors writing. It was fantastical with magical realism elements.

The only issue I had was sometimes keeping up with the different perspectives.

My thanks to Bonnier Books U.K. Manilla Press for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Gifts’ by Liz Hyder in exchange for an honest review.

This superb literary historical novel has at its heart a wondrous transformation.

I found myself completely swept up in this fantastical tale right from its opening pages. However, its plot is rather difficult to summarise, so only a few details.

October 1840 and a young woman is wandering in a Shropshire forest gripped with sadness over the death of her canine companion. Without warning a huge pair of wings erupt from her shoulders. She is confused but then is struck by a crossbow bolt! We then are transported to London eight days previously. Quite an opening!

In London, there are rumours that the body of a 'fallen angel' was found in the Thames. An ambitious surgeon, desperate to make a name for himself, is gripped by a dangerous obsession. Desperate to find a live ‘specimen’ he is willing to do anything achieve his goal.

‘The Gifts’ is told through the perspectives of five characters, four women and one man, and moves quickly between them. Each of the five is assigned a symbol that appears as a small drawing at the start of their sections. In the audiobook edition the narrator helpfully states the character’s name with each change of perspective.

Liz Hyder utilises her historical backdrop of the nineteenth century to great effect. The novel explores the shifting spheres of science and religion, the relationship between humanity and the natural world as well as role of women in the patriarchal society of the day.

Although I loved this novel, I did find the narrative a bit fragmented due to the frequent point of view shifts. Yet after a while I became used to this rhythm of movement.

The cover art was breathtaking and there are occasional illustrations scattered throughout. The print edition is rounded out with a bibliography, suggested questions for reading groups, and a note from the author on the inspirations for ‘The Gifts’.

I fell in love with ‘The Gifts’ from the opening in the Shropshire woods through to its dramatic conclusion. I found Liz Hyder’s writing beautiful and loved the imagery of these mysterious transformations.

Definitely one of my books of the year.

This book takes you on a thrilling journey in 1840. Four women all own their own paths of life. Fabulous characters and a book that will keep you engrossed. My daughter is now reading this book and thoroughly enjoying it having recommended it to her.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to see an advanced copy

This book is set in 1840; a young woman is taking a walk and suddenly she is brought to her knees and awakens to discover she has wings. Meanwhile, in London, there is a rumour about a fallen angel, and many including a surgeon and a lady called Mary take an interest in the story. What follows is a chilling and dark story as the surgeon becomes obsessed with his new discovery and Mary investigates with the help of an old friend.

A thrilling, haunting read and a must for any fan of historical fantasy fiction such as Stacey Halls. The four women characters are beautifully crafted and the story is important and contains relevant themes and issues.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

This was so atmospheric! I loved the themes of magical realism, ambition, possession and objectification. I especially enjoyed how Edward was a focaliser for the androcentricity of science and success. However, there were too many PoVs for me, and it took a long time for me to distinguish between them. I can't even remember their names now (says a lot!), but the perspectives that were not Etta's or Natalya's felt superflous and weren't nearly as compelling. I also felt that some of the early chapters were baggy with what I can only describe as a sort of childish elaboration. Nevertheless, I think this will be a hit for fans of 'The Doll Factory' or 'The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock'.

Thank you to Manilla Press and NetGalley for my advance review copy of this book.

When women break free ★★★☆☆

When aspiring young surgeon Edward Meake comes across a drowned body of a “angel”, he is sucked into a dangerous and obsessive quest which will change the lives of Etta, Natalya and Edward’s wife Annie forever. Meanwhile, daring aspiring journalist Mary is hot on his heels as the rumours of the Angel of the Thames roam London.

Whilst the novel is more fantasy-based than my usual reads, it is actually an interesting and unique historical story which balances the tough world of 19th century London with strong female characters and an inherently feminist message. The prose is beautiful without losing its pace – especially Natalya’s stories.

A quirky historical novel which explores the murky depths of obsession and asks what place wild and strong women have in this world.

Opening with a startling and emotive scene of a winged girl, stumbling through a field in pain, not even aware of what is happening to her until she feels blood on her shoulders and sees her alarmingly changed shadow, you know you are in the hands of a masterful narrative woven by a consummate storyteller.

With little to no information to go on, you are immediately concerned with her welfare more than the origins of her wonderful wings. She appears to have fallen into our world, and our consciousness, and then you are yanked straight out of this perilous situation to be introduced to the other narrators of this tale, set in  the early 1900's.

There are Samuel and Edward, both surgeons in perpetual battle to uncover the mysteries of the human condition, to the point where the patient before them is less a person than a point to score.

The only triumphant and unalienable win which Edward has over Richard is his wife, Annie, who appears as an example of his wealth and social standing. She , like the furnishings and accoutrements of their house, exist  to encourage the confidence of others in his surgical and medical skills. Her own skills as an artist are seen as secondary, almost dabbling rather than as a professional in her own right. Her worth , or rather, lack of it, is seen in her 'inability' to provide the expected child as proof of her womanhood, which is rather concerning after three years of marriage. At least it is to Annie.

The angel and Annie are the first glimpses of the way that women are regarded at this time, along with Natalya, a woman outcast for shaming her family and adrift in a strange world, telling tales to the children who live in the same  boarding house as her, and Mary, niece of a journalist whose skills have been eroded by grief and alcoholism, to the point where she is the one who finishes and submits most of his articles. Only her cousin, Richard, is aware of this, and it is another example of the male led society of the time which seeks to subvert and own the physical bodies of the women they come into contact with, or take credit for their gifts.

The last narrator is Etta, a botanist and explorer who , again, moves against the tide in every way, from how she stores and collates her samples, to the way she stands up for herself to be seen as a person not a fly to swat away from 'men's work'. It is truly sorrowful when the man she had hoped to marry, chooses a woman who looks the part but has not an original thought in her body, And you just know that as much as she is trapped by her refusal to hide who she is, it is expected of Henry, the man who broke her heart, to choose a 'suitable wife', and by suitable, they-society-does not mean a woman with opinions, thoughts and notions.

Her father-thankfully dead before the book begins because honestly you would want to strangle him-says the following on the occasion of Henry's marriage to the human version of a butterfly-

''As if he would be interested in you! You would be nothing more than a curio to a man like him.As if he would marry you of all women when he has the freedom to choose.''

And there is the rub-men have that freedom bestowed upon them by the nature of being born male, whilst women have to put up,or deal with the consequences.

Into this melting pot falls, literally, the winged woman, an anomaly who challenges the natural and ecumenical explanations of the existence of life .

Between the woman who wants to write about it, the surgeons who seek to understand the physiology of the wings, and those who see the angel, more typically represented in Biblical terms as male agents of God, as a subversion of the way that things should be.

And then, another woman grows wings.

Suddenly, there is so much at stake from the religious, societal and medical quarters, that you know that strong hearted characters will be required to advocate for, uncover the truth of , and, indeed, rescue these women.

All of their gifts -another anomaly as so often talents were explained away as 'gifts' rather than acknowledgements of the hours of work, put in to make what seems natural and obvious, but is always underlined with practice, research and more practice-will be needed as much as their strength to stand against what they are told to believe in, and what they know, and feel, to be true.

A truly superb and engaging read that brings history to vivid, breathing life, this is an incredible gothic thriller in the tradition of Jess Kidd and Jessie Burton. It comes highly recommended by this reader, and I can see myself re-reading this again very very soon!

Sometimes books set in the past leave me feeling a bit wanting. The Gifts certainly did not leave that feeling.
Strong women characters, I loved them. I loved the way the book weaved through their individual lives. In the start I thought there were a lot of characters to keep track off but it doesn’t take long before you have them fixed in your mind.
I did not want the book to end, always a good sign of a remarkable book.
Such a powerful story with SO MANY layers.
I am looking forward to reading more by Liz Hyder.
I read somewhere there is going to be an illustrated version of this book too and I can’t wait to see that!
Many thanks to NetGalley and to Bonnier Books UK for the advance read.

"And perhaps the world is not ready for women such as us. Not yet"

Set in England in 1840, this story of a 'fallen angel' is told through the perspectives of 5 people - 4 are strong, intelligent women with incredible talents - a journalist, a storyteller, an artist and a botanist - who are defined and restricted by the men in their lives. The fifth is a male surgeon who is desperate for fame and fortune, and doesn't seem to care about who he may destroy in his search for recognition.

The book switches between the different characters voices throughout, which keeps the narrative interesting and fast flowing, and provides interesting different perspectives. I loved how the different stories intertwined, bringing everyone together until the ultimate conclusion. This book played with all of my emotions - wonder, curiosity, anger, frustration, hope - and I would recommend to anyone.

The writing was engaging and the book easy to read, but with very interesting points made regarding the role of women in society, and how ambition can twist and distort a persons' character. I was gripped from start to finish, and loved how the wings were used to represent women's power and potential.