Island of Whispers

A fabulously eerie tale that boldly confronts mortality.. the stunning illustrations by Emily Gravett cleverly capture the narrative’s haunting mood.. the book is deceptively multi-layered * The Telegraph *
With its silver-sprinkled jacket, this elegiac story, part way between picture book and novella, is perfect for autumn.. with each word carefully and often surprisingly chosen, this gothic fable weaves a frisson-filled spell. * The Sunday Times *
Heightened by Gravett’s blue-white expanses and stark black bricks and timbers, Hardinge’s spare coming-of-age parable is laced with her trademark wisdom and subtlety.. this is ideal for 11+ readers who enjoy highly illustrated storytelling. * The Guardian’s ‘five best young adult books of 2023’ *
Island of Whispers is a melancholy, mist-shrouded triumph * TLS’s best children’s books of 2023 *
Frances Hardinge.. is a terrific YA author * The Observer *
Hardinge is an extraordinary writer for teenagers.. atmospheric illustrations add to the ghostly drama * Daily Mail *
An ideal gift book for both reluctant teen readers and enthusiastic readers with a penchant for the macabre. * Irish Times *
A dazzling coming-of-age story by the Costa-winning author. * i news *
Young readers will be in thrall to this unforgettable and ultimately heartwarming adventure. * Lancashire Evening Post *
Full of powerful images – in text and illustration – it should be read and reread * Books for Keeps *
Island of Whispers is a page turner until the end. * Big Issue *

Frances Hardinge spent a large part of her childhood in a huge old house that inspired her to write strange stories from an early age. She read English at Oxford University, then got a job at a software company. However, a few years later a persistent friend finally managed to bully Frances into sending a few chapters of Fly By Night, her first children’s novel, to a publisher. Macmillan made her an immediate offer. The book went on to publish to huge critical acclaim and win the Branford Boase First Novel Award. She has since written many highly acclaimed children’s novels, including Fly By Night’s sequel Twilight Robbery, as well as the Carnegie-shortlisted Cuckoo Song and the Costa Book of the Year winner, The Lie Tree.

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