Charity

‘In Charity, Dewhurst examines patterns of guilt, recognition, shame and agency. A taut, fraught, stylish and important novel about notions of the culpable and the complicit, drawing upon the facts and fictions of an oft-neglected moment in history’

-- Eley Williams
‘Satisfyingly suspenseful. It may tackle a tough page of history but this story is told with a lightness and humour that make it a page-turning pleasure to read’ -- ‍Monocle
‘The past and the present are weaved delicately together in this exceptionally accomplished debut novel, an impactful, life-affirming tale that delves into the depths of humanity both good and bad’ -- Buzz Magazine
‘By turns humorous and heart-wrenching, impeccably researched and beautifully written throughout, this is a haunting and original debut that demands to be read’ -- Lianne Dillsworth

‘A shocking, expertly plotted story about family and betrayal which keeps you guessing until the end. Much more than a page-turner, it shines a light on a brutal period of history, asking important questions about justice and revenge. A dazzling array of voices that brilliantly merges the past and the present’

 

-- Emily Bullock

‘The authenticity of its human relationships makes this hugely enjoyable tale of cultural and generational friction truly stand out. Madeline Dewhurst subtly subverts our understanding of her characters as layers of plot naturally reveal themselves. Assured and impressive, it’s hard to believe Charity is a first novel’

 

-- Tony Saint

‘An accomplished story teller, Dewhurst takes the reader on a suspenseful journey exposing dark family secrets. A brilliant debut that shines a light on our colonial past and its haunting effect on the present’

 

-- Julia Barrett

‘I love historical fiction which explores how an event from the past ripples through time and continues to impact present. Charity is one of these books. This compelling story is engaging from the first page. A brilliant debut’

 

-- Molly Gartland

‘What a debut novel! Charity is about guilt, justice and revenge, deceit and dark secrets, family and betrayal. Relationships are not always as they seem, the psychological menace is subtly introduced and there is a slow reveal. Very successful and highly readable’

 

-- Yorkshire Times

‘I was totally immersed very early on. Vivid, shocking, original, engaging… A page-turning, thriller-esque read with great characters and a heart-wrenching story at its centre that had me guessing right to the end. Strongly recommended’

 

-- Babbage and Sweetcorn

‘A wonderful novel not to be missed. A stunning story that perfectly blends fact and fiction, it’s subtle, sinister and splendid. With payday weekend approaching, I recommend you blow your book budget and add this incredible, intriguing, imaginative and insightful book to your collection’

 

-- The Fallen Librarian

‘Three women imprisoned. One in a detention camp. One in her mind. One by her guilt. If you enjoy historical fiction with a menacing tone and unsavoury characters, give this book a try’

 

-- The Eclectic Review

‘A beautifully constructed book which layers up past and present events in a careful and artful way until eventually all is revealed. A pacy read, complex and puzzling without being overly confusing, Charity is a powerful historical novel, a situational comedy, a mystery, a ghost story and many other things besides’

 

-- Elspells

‘A beautiful story and truly a fantastic read. Not simply historical fiction, it’s also thrilling and shocking. I didn’t think I’d be rushing to turn the pages when I started reading, but it just doesn’t let you go. I loved this absolutely stunning book’

 

-- Jera’s Jamboree

‘It’s hard to believe this is Madeline Dewhurst’s first novel. Once you’re hooked, it will be so hard to put it down. I truly enjoyed this as a thriller, where you’re never sure who is the spider and who is the fly. I also loved the honest way British rule in Kenya is depicted, tainting the lives of everyone involved across time. A brilliant read’

 

-- Lotus Writing Therapy

‘An assured and impressive debut that reveals the truth about a shocking period in Britain’s colonial history. A story of guilt, betrayal, manipulation and revenge’

 

-- What Cathy Read Next

‘A brilliant book which I devoured in a day. Gripping, fascinating and shocking’

 

-- Dr Alice Violett

‘A superb and thought-provoking thriller that provides a perfect blend of domestic drama, historical fiction and suspense’ *****

 

-- Ceri’s Lil Blog

‘An absolute delight to read. Not always happy and positive, but really difficult to put down’

 

-- PRDG Reads *****

‘Hard to pigeon hole into one genre: historical, literacy fiction and at times psychological thriller. It has so many different elements, it makes you wonder if it will work. But it does! It packs a punch and, for a debut, it’s a powerful start to a career’

 

-- Zooloo’s Book Diary

‘An impressive debut novel with layers you peel back a page at a time, Charity will keep you engaged right to the end’

 

-- Laura Liz Buckley

‘I wasn't sure about this book but I’m thrilled that I kept going. I recommend you give Charity a read. I promise it’s worth it’

 

-- My Bookish B