First reviews

It’s always a bit nerve-wracking, waiting to see what reviews might come in. Today saw publication of the first review in the national press, the Daily Mail describing Sister Sebastian’s Library as a ‘gripping, evocative novel’, and praising its tackling ‘big ideas such as the complex relationship between faith and identity’. The reviewer wasn’t entirely on board with the ending, which, beyond a ‘tantalising suggestion of rebirth’, is left open – some people like their stories neatly wrapped up, but literary fiction is the place where art can most closely emulate real life, something the novel deliberates tries to do. You can read the full review here, just below the write up for Rachel Cusk’s new novel (which also sounds a cracker!)