"A terrifying, thrilling, and elegant fairy tale" by Callian Bradley, author of the international bestseller "The Ministry of Time".

"Brilliant and devastating" - Alan Moore, author of "Watchman"

"It's magical and surreal, a frighteningly gothic texture," says Lucy Rose, author of the Sunday Times bestseller "Pregnancy."

"I loved him" by Julia Armfield, author of "Our Wives Under the Sea".

"Will win awards" Observer

"A hall of fame worthy of contemporary Gothic architecture" - Financial Times

Margaret Peregord is confined to the attic of her family home, a high-rise in Chelsea overlooking the stinking River Thames. For company, she has a sewing machine, Mrs. Peyton's book on housekeeping, and Jeff's crow, which has taken up residence in the rafters. Worried, she expends her dwindling energy on the allure of her body, memorizes Mrs. Peyton's advice, and longs for her life outside.

Cécile Bérégorde kept her daughter Marguerite locked up for her own safety. Cécile worried that Marguerite's engagement to a much older, impoverished lawyer would bring shame upon the family—specifically, her husband's name. For Cécile, who had worked so hard to improve her circumstances, this was simply pointless. Her own life had taught her that no matter how high a woman rises, she could easily fall.

Of course, each of them has her own secrets, intentions, and hidden history. As Margaret's patience turns to anger, the boundaries of her mind and body begin to erode. Neither can comprehend what the other is becoming.