Music in the Dark

Jamesina Ross is long finished with men, but one night a stranger seeking lodgings knocks on her door. She has no intention of trusting anyone enough to let herself be vulnerable again, but her lodger thinks that if she would only dare to open the past, she might have the chance of a future. This is a story about resilience, memory, resurrection, and those parts of who we are that nobody can take away.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

Wonderful and Moving


Clare Chambers' novel, Utterly Absorbing, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Winston Graham Historical Prize and longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize. The story follows Jamesina Ross, a woman who has grown weary of men and has closed herself off from vulnerability. However, one night, a stranger seeking lodgings knocks on her tenement flat door, and she instantly recognizes him. Despite her intention not to mention it, she cannot help but remember the man who had once captured her heart.


A lifetime ago, growing up in a picturesque Highland glen, Jamesina Ross wrote songs that celebrated the land and the generations of her kin who had worked it. However, her music was powerless against the violence her community faced during the Highland Clearances. Ever since that day, Jamesina has carried the physical and emotional scars of that experience, both on her face and within her mind. Her lodger believes that if she were to dare to open up about her past, she might have a chance at a future filled with hope and possibility.


Utterly Absorbing is a captivating tale that explores the resilience of the human spirit, the power of memory, and the possibility of resurrection. It delves into the complex nature of unlooked-for love in later life, its unexpected twists and turns, and the delightful surprises it brings. Through the character of Jamesina Ross, Chambers paints a vivid portrait of a woman who has faced adversity but remains strong and determined. The novel is a testament to the human capacity for growth and transformation, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for light and hope.


Conclusion


In conclusion, Utterly Absorbing by Clare Chambers is a remarkable work of fiction that offers a profound exploration of love, resilience, and the human spirit. With its captivating storytelling and memorable characters, this novel has earned its place on both the shortlist for the Winston Graham Historical Prize and the longlist for the Walter Scott Prize. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted literary fiction and is interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 128 x 199 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529345957