From the author of the Orange New Writers shortlisted THE BOOK OF FIRES:
‘And close to the house, this garden will have at its heart a perfect knot; green, intricate, fragrant, a convergence of senses.’
A story of obsession, love and secrets, THE KNOT (Fourth Estate) holds at its heart the intent of one man: Henry Lyte. Spanning twelve years, 1565-1578, Henry struggles with his life’s work, the translation of a Herbal which lists, for the first time in English, every herb, against the backdrop of his heart’s desire, the creation of a perfect, beautiful garden at the heart of which lies the Knot.
After the tragic death of his much-loved first wife Anys, Henry falls in love again and brings Frances home to Lytes Cary. She finds it hard to come to terms with life in the remote rural setting of the Levels in Somerset, and feels the threat of the watery landscape despite Henry’s efforts to show her how the landscape he loves can bring her happiness. But Henry’s father is not happy about his second marriage, and the tensions within the family grow.
Just as Henry finds a precarious equilibrium, in his intellectual and emotional lives, this sense of balance is shattered by his father’s unexpected death and the unleashed malevolence of Henry’s step-mother, Joan Young, begins.
“Perfect book for the green-fingered reader.” Historical Novels Review
“This is a story about dreams, about the fragility of human achievements and the restorative – and destructive – powers of nature. A superb ending, surprising and intensely moving.” Maria McCann, author of The Wilding and As Meat Loves Salt