Ruth Skrine Knihy

An isolated woman in her mid-twenties discovers an abandoned baby with a metal chain around his neck. Choosing not to return to her commune, she seeks refuge in a farmer's barn, where she finds kindness and support. In a gesture of gratitude, she leaves the chain behind, symbolizing her complex relationship with both the baby and her past. The story explores themes of isolation, connection, and the search for belonging amidst challenging circumstances.

It could not have begun more innocently. When their van crashes during a bird-watching holiday in the Himalayas, the survivors have no idea how much their lives are about to change. Six friends think they know each other but the aftermath of the tragedy will have unforeseen consequences. At home in Britain ecological issues are coming to the boil. Passionate beliefs develop into obsessions and loyalties are stretched to the limit. Who can refuse the man who had the wit, and the grit, to save your life? Who would not trust his judgement, now he wants you to help him save mankind?

Meena is the narrator of this absorbing novel, a primary school teacher, divorced and bereaved following the death of her mother. She has intense personal struggles of a psychosexual nature, which she seeks to resolve through her relationship with Quentin, her lodger, and through her exploration of childhood memories and old family histories. A tension between present and past grows to a climax as Meena feels her way from inner turmoil to a new state of being.

Samuel, a loving family man, is married not only to his wife, Clare, but also to God. When hooded figures attack a Sikh man outside his house, he goes to help. He too becomes the focus of their unrelenting blows. With his world changed, his faith in doubt and his marriage failing, he is on the edge of despair. Increasing immigration, and the fear of pollution from the newly opened nuclear power station, threaten his town. How can he keep his parishioners and his children safe?