Recenzii
A tantalising read that swells with secrecy and intrigue. It's hard to believe that Kuchenga Shenjé writes of the past, and not of the present. A beautifully and skilfully written debut -- CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS, author of QUEENIE
Intriguingly and superbly plotted . . . Shenjé weaves race, identity, feminism, sexuality and class into a beguiling mystery ― WOMAN & HOME
A love letter to the golden age of Du Maurier and Bronte, The Library Thief is lyrical, beguiling and powerfully relevant -- JUNO DAWSON, author of HER MAJESTY'S ROYAL COVEN
Powerful, sagacious and warm, The Library Thief is both a gripping, multi-layered mystery and a gorgeously absorbing novel that demanded I return to its pages whenever I had the audacity to set it down. Without a doubt, Shenjé's wholly original debut has bestseller written all over it -- JOANNE BURN, author of THE HEMLOCK CURE
If this book's a thief of anything - it was my attention. I was hooked, the story opening with the tantalising traditions of a gothic mystery and then unfurling in unexpected directions, threading themes of identity, sexuality and a woman's impossible choices into an intricate web of mysteries that would not let me go -- CARI THOMAS, author of THREADNEEDLE
I was blown away by Kuchenga Shenjé's debut The Library Thief and her memorable protagonist Florence, who takes up a job at Rose Hall as a bookbinder. Like Florence, I was swept up with the mystery of her employer's late wife's diaries and how deftly the author ties this into uncovering Florence's background. The Library Thief is a beautifully crafted story full of nuanced characters, gothic undertones and plenty of heart -- STACEY THOMAS, author of THE REVELS
Atmospheric and compelling. Victorian gothic with a fresh twist -- FREYA BERRY, author of THE BIRDCAGE LIBRARY
With layers of intrigue, this captivating debut historical novel ultimately focuses on the power of inclusivity, hope, and love ― LOVEREADING
A compelling novel that starts as a mystery and grows into a coming-of-age story, examining identity, belonging, loneliness and friendship within the restrictive and stifling world of late Victorian society. The Library Thief is filled with fantastically drawn characters and with a love of books that shines through the prose -- KATIE LUMSDEN, author of THE SECRETS OF HARTWOOD HALL
The Library Thief just seeps into you with its breathtaking prose, weaving together a beautiful tapestry of intrigue and passion and nuance. It's a novel so intricate and considered in its construction, it's hard to believe these characters aren't real. Truly a debut for the ages! -- ELVIN JAMES MENSAH, author of SMALL JOYS
This debut gut-wrenchingly conveys a unique historical perspective on race, gender, and sexuality . . . Shenje shines a light on LGBTQIA+ love and people of color in Victorian England . . . Fans of Sarah Waters and Bridget Collins might have in Shenjé a new author to add to their TBR lists ― LIBRARY JOURNAL
Fans of Kate Morton's books and Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale will devour this novel . . . Shenjé rightfully joins a distinguished line of authors who love books and secrets and know exactly how to combine the two ― BOOKLIST
The Library Thief is an epic tale of class, race, gender, and self-discovery, a story full of surprises not only for the characters but for its readers. Propulsive, twisty, filled with evocative detail told through a contemporary lens, it constantly upends everything we think we know ― BOOKTRIB
An intriguing premise, an old library and long-kept secret . . . this arresting saga has it all ― WOMAN'S WORLD
The best part of the book is the unexpected twist at the end that ties up the murder mystery. Kudos to Shenjé for that surprise ending ― NPR
A delightful Jane Austen/Bridgerton mystery romp with themes that speak directly to the world we live in today ― TIMESLIVE
