Set in the early nineteenth century, this is incredible story of the ultimate historical hustle, based on the true story of Mary Wilcox.
Catherine Johnson is a born-and-bred Londoner who no longer lives in London but by the sea. She studied film at Central Saint Martins School of Art; the fantastic time she had there made up for school, which was horrible. She has written many books for young readers, and her recent novel, Sawbones, published by Walker Books, won the Young Quills Award for historical fiction and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her other books include Brave New Girl (Frances Lincoln Children's Books), and A Nest of Vipers, published by Random House Children's Publishers UK. Catherine has also written for film, notably the critically acclaimed Bullet Boy, and TV, including Holby City. She lives with her husband and two geriatric pets- a deluded cat and an ancient tortoise. She enjoys baking cakes and knitting. She was taught how to drive (horses, not cars) by an ex-brewery dray driver in Spitalfields.
From the shocking opening to the very last page, this is the one
book I really hated to put down until I was done. It's so textured
. . . I also love that she's a black, or blackish, girl – so often
YA does not contain them (or only as peripheral characters) – and
she is such a fascinating protagonist. I also loved the skilful way
Johnson turned us around on some characters. I could not ask for
more in a YA novel, to be honest. I'd give it all the awards if I
could
*Bim Adewumni, YA Book Prize judge*
A rich and entertaining tale which raises questions and challenges
assumptions
*Armadillo*
The book has a lot to say about who we are and the pretences we put
on for other people, and also about the limited chances in life
that a woman had . . . The historical period comes to life well in
the book, although it also has a lot to say that is relevant
today.
*readingzone.com*
A well researched, finely written re-imagining of an actual
historical figure, The Curious Tale of The Lady Caraboo sheds light
on how identity is formed and shaped by the stories we tell about
ourselves and the stories, like that of the ‘exotic other’, that
are projected upon us . . . A great yarn with a beguiling central
character
*Peter Kalu, author of SILENT STRIKER*
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