My mother’s side of the family back through many generations comes from Cornwall. It’s a place of heady childhood memories and a place I am constantly drawn to. With its dramatic coastline and rugged moorland, ruined shafts and postcard-pretty seaside towns, Cornwall exudes its own unique character. Steeped in myth and legend, and fringed by a sea that can both batter and caress the shoreline, it’s no wonder Cornwall has inspired countless writers, poets and painters. As well as setting my books in Cornwall, I also adore reading Cornish books. Here are five I can heartily recommend.
The Cliff House
Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper
As a child The Dark is Rising series dragged me into its pages and wouldn’t let go. Two of the books (Greenwitch being the other) are set in Cornwall. Full of mystery, myth and legend, this story is set around an ancient manuscript found by children staying in a holiday cottage. They embark on a dangerous and magical quest, and are drawn into a battle between the Light and the Dark.
One Cornish Summer by Liz Fenwick
Fenwick has been dubbed the Queen of the contemporary Cornish novel. This is her most recent and as with all her books she deftly captures the character of Cornwall. Here she tells a heartfelt story exploring the effects of Alzheimer’s and love, which will delight new fans and old alike.
The Stranger by Kate Riordan
Set in 1940, the book opens with a descriptive bang, as the body of a young woman is found washed up on the rocks below a stunning Cornish house. Beneath the looming threat of invasion, the story tells of three women who find themselves living at Penhallow Hall. As buried secrets and lies unravel, tension begins to mount in this atmospheric and compelling story.
The Mousehole Cat by Antonia Barber
A family favourite! I spent many childhood summers in Mousehole and the glorious illustrations and stunning language do it proud. This is a poetic tale about Tom, an old fisherman, and his beloved cat Mowzer. Nobody can get out to fish because of ‘the Great Storm Cat’. But they brave the rain seas and Mowzer calms the Storm Cat with song allowing Tom to bring fish back to feed the villagers. Beautiful.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
‘Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley’ is one of the most famous opening lines in modern literature. This is the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower with an estate in Cornwall. When she moves in, she has to face the overbearing memory of Rebecca, his seemingly perfect first wife, and the villainous housekeeper, Mrs Danvers, who will never get over the death of her beloved mistress. A masterful psychological thriller.
The Cliff House by Amanda Jennings is published by HQ, 21st May 2018 in Hardback £12.99| Ebook £5.99 | Audiobook £12.99