The Girls

[A] well-crafted novel of murder and mystery … Bowen’s handling of the novel’s conclusion—elegiac, compassionate and redemptive—is satisfying; his true subject becomes the nature of friendship * The New York Times Book Review *This is a charming little novel about two women who share a home, a garden, and later, a baby. What happens when the accidental father returns? Fans of Patricia Highsmith and Edward Gorey (whose delightful designs adorn the cover) should like The Girls * San Francisco Bay Times *Deadpan, sly, and threatening … I’m sure I’m not the only reader who thought of this book as his own secret, to be recommended only to the most unusual of friends, but now it’s back in the world and will hopefully garner the cult audience it deserves * Slate *

John Bowen (1924–2019) was born in Calcutta, India. He was sent to England at the age of four to be raised by his uncle and aunt. He worked in journalism and advertising before publishing his first novels, including the apocalyptic After the Rain. Bowen then began a successful career writing for the stage and television, including the much-lauded folk-horror “Play for Today” Robin Redbreast (1970).