Synopsis
Her scandal. His revenge. The unforgettable new historical novel from award-winning author Kate Foster.
St Monans, Fife, 1790. Two women are forced to publicly repent in church: one for adultery, the other for breaching the sabbath. Wealthy housewife Florrie and salt serf Eliza form a quick and unusual bond over their mutual humiliation. As Florrie and her husband prepare to travel to Iceland, she insists Eliza comes as her maid.
Far from home, isolated and fearful, the two women have no one but each other to rely on. Then Florrie’s husband reveals his sinister plan: he will leave her in Iceland, banished for the shame she has cast upon him. Florrie must escape, but she and Eliza realize they cannot do this alone . . .
Inspired by an attempt by Scottish merchants to annex Iceland as a remote prison for the British Empire, The Repentants is a chilling tale of betrayal, exile and survival from the Women’s Prize-longlisted author of The Maiden, Kate Foster.
‘Nothing short of a masterpiece’ – Janice Hallett, author of the Appeal
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Reviews
“Kate Foster can pluck a dark story from the depths of history and bring it to vivid life before your eyes. The Mourning Necklace is her best yet . . . Foster is a class act and an author who, if you haven't read her yet, what are you waiting for?”Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal, on The Mourning Necklace
“A gripping read. The lives of three very different women become entangled in the harsh Icelandic landscape. Each struggles to find agency in the 18th century world where men's needs are met, but their own must be fought for. Refreshingly different”Sarah Maine, author of The House Between Tides
