The Whalebone Theatre

Destined to become a classic … Elegantly written and totally immersive, Quinn’s debut is a wonder * Daily Mail *Quinn creates a world so rich with observation, detail, humanity and heart that you are incapable of doing anything but drinking it in with greedy delight * YOU magazine *A crumbling old country manor, three unconventional siblings and the looming threat of war makes for a classic coming-of-age tale, as imaginative Cristabel, sweet Flossie and charismatic Digby attempt to find their roles in life. Brimful of charm, and wonderfully immersive, this is a captivating read * Daily Mail *My book of the year. I adored this beautifully compulsive story with serious Cazalet vibes. Wild and wilful Cristabel was the perfect heroine * Red Magazine, The 10 Best Books of 2022 *In classic English Country House novel style, [The Whalebone Theatre] focuses on the younger generation amidst a backdrop of scandalous adult misbehaviour. This is a chunky novel to get lost in, full of pacy plotting and luscious language * The Independent *The Whalebone Theatre is absolute aces … Quinn’s imagination and adventuresome spirit are a pleasure to behold * New York Times *I was swept away by this compelling, beautifully written debut and its plucky heroine * Good Housekeeping *One of those big chunky stories that swallows you whole - and it’s beautifully written too * The Times *Written with heart and humour * Psychologies *[A] brilliant debut … A truly immersive read. The plot unfolds gradually, allowing you to really connect with the characters, all of whom are very real with their fears and foibles … Fascinating * Dorset Magazine *

Joanna Quinn was born in London and grew up in Dorset, in the southwest of England, where her bestselling debut novel, The Whalebone Theatre, is set.

Joanna has worked in journalism and the charity sector. She is also a short-story writer, published by The White Review and Comma Press, among others. She teaches creative writing and lives in a village near the sea in Dorset.