A hugely appealing literary blockbuster set in Bulgaria, from the author of The Historian.
Elizabeth Kostova is the New York Times bestselling author of The Historian, which sold over three million copies, and The Swan Thieves.
‘In this brilliant work, what appears at first a minor mystery
quickly becomes emblematic of a whole country’s hidden history.
Lyrical and compelling, The Shadow Land proves a profound
meditation on how evil is inflicted, endured and, through courage
and compassion, defeated. Elizabeth Kostova’s third novel clearly
establishes her as one of America’s finest writers.’
*Ron Rash*
‘Transporting…draws us into Bulgarian history and character
revelation like an elegant, mysterious labyrinth. Page-turning,
evocative and richly imagined.’
*Dominic Smith*
‘Recommend[ed]…to readers seeking outstanding and suspenseful
historical fiction.’
*Booklist*
‘Beautifully written, gently gripping novel from the author of
bestselling The Historian, in which enduring love, persistent guilt
and lingering evil combine to powerful effect.’
*Daily Mail*
‘Elizabeth Kostova’s novel brings the modern history of Bulgaria
into focus. The novel is the product of experience as well as
imagination…It threads tantalising strands of romance, as well as
more opaque examples of heroism.’
*Otago Daily Times*
‘Fans will keep coming back for her authentic detail, her scope,
and her sense of suspense.’
*Guardian*
‘The aftermath of loss, the haunting beauty of Bulgaria and an
unsettling mystery surrounding an urn of human ashes all come
together in Elizabeth Kostova’s elegantly written novel…Written
with great zest and beautifully descriptive detail, making the soul
of this novel. The Shadow Land is a fascinating, moreish read,
demonstrating the power of a great story.’
*Readers Digest*
‘In The Shadow Land, Elizabeth Kostova, a master storyteller,
brings vividly to life an unfamiliar country—Bulgaria—and a painful
history that feels particularly relevant now. You won’t want to put
down this remarkable book.’
*Claire Messud, author of The Woman Upstairs*
‘The Shadow Land is thrilling, and not just as a gripping tale.
It’s also thrilling to watch such a talented writer cast her spell.
The central character actually begins this deft novel in an urn,
only to emerge as one of the most memorable characters I’ve
encountered in a long time.’
*Richard Russo, author of Everybody’s Fool*
‘A compelling and complex mystery, strong storytelling and lyrical
writing combine for an engrossing read.’
*Publishers Weekly*
'A capacious, Victorian-esque novel with more than a whisper of
romance, it deftly conveys the beauty and mystery of this ancient
land, all the while ensnaring you in a web of intrigue which
encompasses the darkest horrors of Bulgaria’s hidden
history.’
*West Australian*
‘Heart-breaking, evocative, and suspenseful, The Shadow Land
explores a little-known and tragic part of European history in
beautiful, restrained writing that brought me to tears
several times.’
*Kate Forsyth *
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