The Tale of Truthwater Lake: 'Absolutely gorgeous.' Hilary McKay

Emma Carroll's books have sold over half a million copies, and her latest book, "Truthwater Lake," is a time-travelling adventure that explores the before and after of global warming. Polly and her brother are sent to their aunt's eco-lake-side house for the summer, but Truthwater Lake is beginning to dry up, revealing a lost village. Polly discovers an underwater gateway to the past, where she can breathe, hear church bells, and bird song. The book has received rave reviews from critics, including Hilary McKay, who called it "gripping," "spellbinding," and "gorgeously told."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Emma Carroll's books have achieved remarkable sales, exceeding half a million copies! This captivating time-travel adventure delves into the consequences of global warming, exploring both the past and the future. As the story unfolds, the reader finds themselves on the shores of an underwater street, where remnants of a house stand in stark contrast to the serene and eerie atmosphere. It's a hauntingly beautiful landscape, reminiscent of a lost kingdom or a ghost village.

In the near future, Britain experiences another scorching heatwave, forcing the implementation of curfews and the closure of shops. Amidst this scorching weather, Polly finds herself doing unconventional things to cool down. One such act is confronting her deep-seated fear of deep water, a challenge that becomes crucial when she and her brother are sent to their aunt's eco-friendly lake-side house for the summer. However, Truthwater Lake, once a vibrant and bustling body of water, is slowly drying up, revealing a hidden village beneath the surface.

One moonlit night, Polly ventures into the depths of the lake, swimming over the rooftops as she explores the submerged world. To her amazement, she discovers an underwater gateway that transports her to the past. As she immerses herself in this ancient realm, Polly experiences a newfound sense of freedom and connection to the world that has vanished. She can breathe effortlessly, hear the ringing of church bells and the melodious songs of birds, and witness the vibrant life of a bygone era.

Polly's discovery is nothing short of extraordinary, and it sets her on a thrilling journey of exploration and discovery. Through her adventures in the past, she gains a deeper understanding of the world's history and the impact of human actions on the environment. The story is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to this captivating underwater world. Hilary McKay's gripping narrative keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, while the Guardian, Best Books of 2022, and School Reading List have praised it for its spellbinding qualities. Nicola Penfold, LoveReading, and FT have also expressed their admiration for the book, highlighting its gorgeously told narrative and exhilarating pace.

In conclusion, Emma Carroll's book "Truthwater Lake" is a captivating time-travel adventure that explores the consequences of global warming and the power of the past to shape the future. Through the eyes of Polly, the reader is transported to a hidden world beneath the surface, where history and magic intertwine. With its stunning prose, gripping narrative, and thought-provoking themes, this book has earned widespread acclaim and is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure, history, and the wonders of the natural world.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571332861
Edition number: Main