One of the best novels of the year so far The Times
A SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEAR
Unlike anything Ive read. Haunting and huge, and funny and sensuous. Its wonderful Tessa Hadley
I just enjoyed it so very much Philip Pullman
It is the 17th century and a wall is being built around a great house. Wychwood is an enclosed world, its ornamental lakes and majestic avenues planned by Mr Norris, landscape-maker. A world where everyone has something to hide after decades of civil war, where dissidents shelter in the forest, lovers linger in secret gardens, and migrants, fleeing the plague, are turned away from the gate.
Three centuries later, another wall goes up overnight, dividing Berlin, while at Wychwood, over one hot, languorous weekend, erotic entanglements are shadowed by news of historic change. A little girl, Nell, observes all.
Nell grows up and Wychwood is invaded. There is a pop festival by the lake, a TV crew in the dining room and a Great Storm brewing. As the Berlin wall comes down, a fatwa signals a different ideological faultline and a refugee seeks safety in Wychwood.
From the multi-award-winning author of The Pike comes a breathtakingly ambitious, beautiful and timely novel about game keepers and witches, agitators and aristocrats, about young love and the pathos of aging, and about how those who wall others out risk finding themselves walled in.
Delve into the enchanting and thought-provoking world of Lucy Hughes-Hallett's *Peculiar Ground*, a captivating novel that seamlessly weaves together historical and contemporary narratives. This hardcover edition, published by Fourth Estate, offers a rich and immersive reading experience across 496 pages. *Peculiar Ground* is more than just a story; it's a tapestry of lives intertwined across centuries, all connected by the enigmatic Wychwood estate. The novel masterfully explores themes of enclosure, exclusion, and the enduring human need for connection. Hughes-Hallett, the multi-award-winning author of *The Pike*, crafts a narrative that is both breathtakingly ambitious and deeply personal. The novel opens in the 17th century, amidst the construction of a wall around the grand Wychwood house. This deliberate act of separation sets the stage for a story of hidden lives, forbidden loves, and social unrest. Mr. Norris, the meticulous landscape-maker, envisions an idyllic, enclosed world, but secrets and dissent simmer beneath the surface. The echoes of the Civil War linger, and the threat of plague looms large, forcing Wychwood's inhabitants to confront difficult choices about who to welcome and who to exclude. Fast forward three centuries, and another wall, the Berlin Wall, rises to divide a nation. At Wychwood, during a single, sweltering weekend, passions ignite and relationships are tested against the backdrop of momentous global change. A young girl named Nell observes the unfolding drama, her innocent perspective offering a poignant lens through which to view the complexities of adult relationships and the shifting political landscape. Nell's journey continues as she witnesses Wychwood transformed by the tides of time. A vibrant pop festival disrupts the tranquility of the lake, a television crew invades the stately dining room, and a devastating storm sweeps across the land, mirroring the turmoil of the era. As the Berlin Wall crumbles, signaling the end of an era, a fatwa casts a shadow of ideological conflict, and a refugee seeks sanctuary within the walls of Wychwood, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and belonging. Hughes-Hallett's writing is both lyrical and incisive, drawing readers into the lives of her diverse cast of characters. From gamekeepers and witches to agitators and aristocrats, each individual is rendered with depth and nuance. The novel explores the poignant themes of young love and the inevitable passage of time, prompting readers to reflect on their own connections to the past and the legacy they will leave behind. *Peculiar Ground* has garnered widespread acclaim for its intricate plot, compelling characters, and profound exploration of timeless themes. Tessa Hadley describes it as "Unlike anything Ive read. Haunting and huge, and funny and sensuous. Its wonderful," while Philip Pullman praises it simply as "I just enjoyed it so very much." The Times hailed it as "One of the best novels of the year so far" and it was selected as a SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEAR. Beyond its captivating narrative, *Peculiar Ground* also offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of garden design and landscape architecture. The meticulously planned gardens of Wychwood serve as a metaphor for the carefully constructed social order of the time, highlighting the tension between control and freedom, artifice and nature. The book will appeal to readers interested in historical fiction, family sagas, literary romance, and contemporary novels that grapple with complex social issues. It is also a fantastic choice for those interested in horticulture and botany. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the richly textured world of *Peculiar Ground*. This captivating novel will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting reflection on the enduring power of place, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring struggle to build bridges instead of walls. With its captivating blend of history, romance, and social commentary, *Peculiar Ground* is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and unforgettable reading experience.
