The Herbalist

About this book

The most entertaining yet substantial historical novel since Joseph OConnors Star of the Sea Irish Times When a neglected teenager - Emily - becomes infatuated by a mysterious medicine man who turns up in the local market square she finds herself competing for his attention with the other women of her town. But nave as she seems Emily is the first to discover the strangers dark side and when she does she holds his fate - and the fate of the women of her community - in her hands ... The Herbalist is the electrifying first novel from Hennessy XO New Irish Writing Award winner Niamh Boyce. It is a deeply moving and viscerally powerful novel about the lives of women in 1930s Ireland - an unforgettable story of love shame hypocrisy and courage. Niamh Boyces compelling female characters push against the rigid social parameters of 1930s Ireland yearning for the light of the outside world which comes in the shape of a stranger trading in herbs cures complications and danger Dermot Bolger An elegant morality tale about the inescapable strictures of womens lives ... Her publisher describes her as "a dazzling new voice". I cannot disagree Sunday Times A vividly imagined tale of love lust and longing ... a compelling read with a cathartic ending that deserves a wide readership. It remains authentic and moving to the end Sunday Business Post Boyces subject matter may be dark and she treats it with the seriousness it deserves but she writes with a lightness of touch not often seen in the genre ... just as the readers of The Herbalist share the womens fear as we read we share their wonder and excitement as well ... hugely impressive and wonderfully assuredIrish Times Theres a lot going on that is slowly revealed and the writing is beautiful ... a serious new literary talent TV3 Comparisons to Edna OBrien and Pat McCabe are more than justified. That said Boyce has a unique voice and sensibility one thats entirely her own Image Magazine A powerful plot full of betrayal morality and love ... Not only is this a book that will keep you captivated it will remain with you long after youve read the last words and closed the cover Country Living She has a real lightness of touch and its a wonderfully told story Marian Finucane RTE A riveting story that electrifies and dazzles Writing.ie