The Other Side of Mrs Wood
‘I want your reputation’, the girl said to Mrs Wood. ‘I want everything you have…’
Mrs Wood is the London’s most celebrated medium, having survived decades in the competitive world of contacting the Other Side hosting packed-out séances for Victorian high society.
But, with rival young mediums dazzling audiences across the city, the allure of London’s most established star might be starting to wane. And then, at one of her routine gatherings, she hears something truly terrifying: a yawn.
So, Mrs Wood takes on a young protégé to spice up her show. But does her new pupil pose more of a threat to Mrs Wood’s reputation than she could ever have imagined?
Published by: 4th Estate (UK & Commonwealth); Harper US (North America)
Where to buy
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Praise for The Other Side of Mrs Wood
‘A sprightly first novel’ New York Times Book Review, Editor’s Pick
‘A witty debut with a twist at the end that should tickle readers’ Kirkus Reviews
‘An excellent debut. Vivid and witty with an incredible cast of characters’ The Bookseller
‘Storytelling at its finest’ Stylist
‘Wonderfully entertaining’ Harper’s Bazaar
‘There’s much fun to be had in Barker’s vivid, delightfully original debut as two devious, rivalrous mediums compete for the starring role on the Victorian seance scene’ Daily Mail
‘A charming debut that sparks with fun and fizz’ Good Housekeeping
‘With skilful plotting and pacing, and an attractive cast of characters, Lucy Barker describes the world of Victorian spiritualism with great aplomb’ Daily Express
‘A fascinating look at the tricks of the trade and the fraudsters of the nineteenth century Spiritualism movement, fans of Sarah Waters will love this clever debut’ Red Magazine
‘A comic tale, briskly told, which [..] definitely has the feel-good factor’ The Independent
‘A lightly comic tale peppered with darkness, this is a feel-good and entertaining read’ Sunday Post
‘A witty exposé of a blistering rivalry between two women at the height of Victorian London’s obsession with spiritualism’ Toronto Star
‘This is a wildly entertaining novel which plunges us deep into a fascinating part of history that most of us won’t have known about before—but which never fails to keep the storytelling bowling along in a way that’s both emotionally engaging and thoroughly gripping’ Reader’s Digest
‘Vivid and witty’ Best
‘Intriguing, witty and unique. A must-read!’ Sophie Irwin, author of A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting
‘Full of wit. Bubbling beneath its surface is a compelling commentary on the scant choices facing Victorian women determined to support themselves. Highly recommended.’ Lianne Dillsworth, author of Theatre of Marvels
‘Engaging and wonderfully original.’ Katie Fforde
‘Witty, evocative writing and wonderfully drawn characters add up to a huge treat of a novel. I loved it!’ Lucy Diamond
‘Think All About Eve but set in the spellbinding world of Victorian mediums. Brilliantly witty.’ Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman
‘Crackles with wit and mischief, a delicious read.’ Louise Dean
‘What an immensely clever, hugely enjoyable conjuring of Victorian high society.’ Emma Hughes, author of No Such Thing as Perfect
‘The Other Side of Mrs Wood is immaculate: a shimmering world of illusion and rivalry in 1870s London, impeccably researched and rendered with such vigour and verve.’ Alex Hay, author of The Housekeepers
‘A glorious riot of a book, laugh-out-loud funny, utterly gripping, surprising and moving. An absolutely delicious page-turning treat. Loved it!’ Liz Hyder, author of The Gifts
‘An absolute triumph of a debut.’ Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels
‘Made me laugh out loud more than once, but also deeply moving. A joy.’ Essie Fox, author of The Fascination