by KathyPage (Author)
This is a novel about a young girl, who, growing up an outsider, becomes drawn into the life of a local family with some curious beliefs. They treat her as a daughter (for sinister reasons, we later find out) and take her away with them to a religious holiday camp. It is here that she is introduced to the Finnish Envallist branch of Protestantism and here that events start to take a terrible turn. Rejected by some of the sectarians for her non-commitment to their beliefs, Natalie creates a rift in the group which culminates in a climactic scene where she is gravely injured. Later, as an adult in Finland, she tries to make sense of what happened and to unlock the secret origins of Envallism itself.
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: W&N
Published: 28 Feb 2002
ISBN 10: 0297607855
ISBN 13: 9780297607854
Book Overview: A powerful and compelling literary novel similar in style to Helen Dunmore or Pat Barker. Highly promotable, energetic and articulate author, longlisted for the Orange Prize with this novel. 'THE STORY OF MY FACE is a marvellously well-crafted book, subtle and measured yet with the powerful, disconcerting tug of deep and dangerous water. I can't remember the last time I was so compelled, impressed and unsettled by the emotional world of a novel, as I was by this one' - Sarah Waters (author of AFFINITY and TIPPING THE VELVET). 'THE STORY OF MY FACE is a moving, absorbing story of a woman and girl drawn together by loss, and sleepwalking towards disaster. Kathy Page writes beautifully, and combines strong storytelling, emotional candour and lyricism' - Helen Dunmore (winner of the Orange Prize)