The Silent Kookaburra
Page 30
Wonderfully descriptive – heat, beach, sea – really made me feel like I was there. Barbara Scott Emmett, author of The Land Beyond Goodbye.
A real page-turner ... love the 70s vibe ... Claire Whatley, reader and writer.
A gripping tale, read it in one go ... a touching portrait of a mother being kept from her newborn. Tricia Gilbey, reader and writer.
Author’s Note
This is a work of fiction, a work that combines the actual with the invented. All incidents and dialogue and all characters, with the exception of some well-known figures, are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.
Dedication
To my wonderful family, near and far.
Acknowledgements
With grateful thanks to the writers and readers and friends who helped shape this novel: my Triskele colleagues Catriona Troth, JD Smith, JJ Marsh and Gillian Hamer; Beta readers Carol Cooper, Chris Curran, Tricia Gilbey, Courtney J Hall, Jane Hicks, Gwenda Lansbury, Lorraine Mace, Claire Morgan, Pauline O’Hare, Camille Perrat, Mathilde Perrat, Wendy Quiggin, Barbara Scott-Emmett, Claire Whatley; Pamela Bennett for checking obstetric facts; Dr Norman James for help with psychiatry information and treatment from that era; Det. Sgt Septimus Hergstrom, Victoria Police (July 1963 -January 1999) for police procedures; DP Lyle MD for forensic information; Maria Loschi for Italian food and customs information; Wendy Quiggin for “facts and feelings” from the 70s in Wollongong, and my other Aussie mates who helped with “blasts from the past”; Liz Hergstrom for advice on prams and baby clothes; Claire Whatley for final version edits; JJ Marsh for the blurb; Lorraine Mace for grammar tips; Shannon Page for proofreading expertise; JD Smith for the cover design. And finally, to my family for their ongoing support and encouragement.
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Other novels by Liza Perrat
Spirit of Lost Angels
Book 1 in The Bone Angel series
Available now as print and E-book.
books2read.com/u/49D5JY
Her mother executed for witchcraft, her father dead at the hand of a noble, Victoire Charpentier vows to rise above her impoverished peasant roots.
Forced to leave her village of Lucie-sur-Vionne for domestic work in Paris, Victoire suffers gruesome abuse under the 18th century ancien régime.
Imprisoned in France’s most pitiless madhouse — La Salpêtrière asylum — Victoire is desperate and helpless, until she meets fellow prisoner Jeanne de Valois, infamous conwoman of the diamond necklace affair. With the help of the ruthless and charismatic countess who helped hasten Queen Marie Antoinette to the guillotine, Victoire carves out a new life for herself.
Enmeshed in the fever of pre-revolutionary Paris, is Victoire brave enough to join the revolutionary force storming the Bastille, and help overthrow the diabolical aristocracy?
Amidst the tumult of the French revolution drama, the women of Spirit of Lost Angels face tragedy and betrayal in a world where their gift can be their curse.
Spirit of Lost Angels listed on “Best of 2012” sites
http://darleneelizabethwilliamsauthor.com/blog/2012-top-10-historical-fiction-novels/
http://abookishaffair.blogspot.fr/2012/12/best-books-of-2012.html
http://thequeensquillreview.com/2012/12/10/holiday-picks-from-the-queens-quill/
Shortlisted Writing Magazine Self-Publishing Awards 2013
http://lizaperrat.blogspot.fr/2013/06/spirit-of-lost-angels-shortlisted.html
Winner EFestival of Words 2013, Best Historical Fiction category
Recommended at the 2013 Historical Novel Conference in “Off the Beaten Path” recommendations
http://thequeensquillreview.com/2013/06/26/the-mammoth-list-of-off-the-beaten-path-book-recommendations-brought-to-you-by-our-hns-conference-panel/
Indie Book of the Day Award, 13th July, 2013
http://indiebookoftheday.com/spirit-of-lost-angels-by-liza-perrat/
Spirit of Lost Angels Editorial Reviews
‘... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE when a book sucks me in that I get ticked when I have to put it down ... made me feel I was being written into the pages of the book.... Naomi B (A Book and A Review): http://abookandareview.blogspot.fr/2012/11/spirit-of-lost-angels-by-liza-perrat.html
‘... how well written and detailed ... the author clearly outlines the path of a commoner’s life and the hardship of Victoire's life ... an historical book about enduring, accepting, regret, love, loss, family, hope, coming home, and an angel pendant that held it all together ...’ ... Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews: http://silversolara.blogspot.fr/2012/07/spirit-of-lost-angels-by-liza-perrat.html
‘... impressed with Perrat’s knowledgeable treatment of the role of women during one of France’s most tumultuous times ...’ ... Darlene Williams: http://darleneelizabethwilliamsauthor.com/hfreviews/spirit-of-lost-angels-by-liza-perrat-historical-fiction-novel-review/
‘The writing is superb, the sights, sounds and smells of a city in turmoil is brought vividly to life ...’ ... Josie Barton: http://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.fr/2012/08/author-interview-liza-perrat.html
‘... a tale to lose oneself in ... persuasively combines fact and fiction. The peasants’ fury, the passion building up to the Bastille storming, and the sense of political explosion ...’ ... Andrea Connell: http://thequeensquillreview.com/2012/10/10/review-spirit-of-lost-angels-by-liza-perrat/
‘... a truly astounding book that will have you reaching out to the characters, feeling for them, and fiercely cheering them on ... you won’t be able to put this down ...’ ... Megan, Reading in the Sunshine: http://readinginthesunshine.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/spirit-of-lost-angels-by-liza-perrat/
‘... escapist fun — Francophiles will want this one and those who enjoy historical fiction that doesn't focus on royals.’ ... Audra (Unabridged Chick): http://unabridged-expression.blogspot.fr/2013/05/spirit-of-lost-angels-by-liza-perrat.html
‘... brings to life the sights and sounds of 18th century France. Her extensive research shines through in her writing, from the superstitions of the villagers to the lives of the more sophisticated Parisians.’ ... Anne Cater: http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/spirit-of-lost-angels-by-liza-perrat.html
Wolfsangel
Book 2 in The Bone Angel series
Available now as print and E-book.
books2read.com/u/49D5JY
Seven decades after German troops march into her village, Céleste Roussel is still unable to assuage her guilt.
1943. German soldiers occupy provincial Lucie-sur-Vionne, and as the villagers pursue treacherous schemes to deceive and swindle the enemy, Céleste embarks on her own perilous mission as her passion for a Reich officer flourishes.
When her loved ones are deported to concentration camps, Céleste is drawn into the vortex of this monumental conflict, and the adventure and danger of French Resistance collaboration.
As she confronts the harrowing truths of the Second World War’s darkest years, Céleste is forced to choose: pursue her love for
the German officer, or answer General de Gaulle’s call to fight for France.
Her fate suspended on the fraying thread of her will, Celeste gains strength from the angel talisman bequeathed to her through her lineage of healer kinswomen. But the decision she makes will shadow the remainder of her days.
A woman’s unforgettable journey to help liberate Occupied France, Wolfsangel is a stirring portrayal of the courage and resilience of the human mind, body and spirit.
Indie Book of the Day: http://indiebookoftheday.com/wolfsangel-by-liza-perrat/
Josie Barton Best books of 2013: http://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/books-in-my-year-2013.html
Wolfsangel Editorial Reviews
‘A heart-stopping novel of love, betrayal and courage which will leave you shaken and profoundly moved.’ ... Karen Maitland, bestselling author of Company of Liars.
‘... one of the best books I have ever read.’ ... Kimberly Walker, reader
‘... captures the tragedy of betrayal and the constancy of hope. It brings home to the reader that choices made in youth, cast deep shadows. A superb story that stays in the mind long after the final page.’ ... Lorraine Mace, writer, columnist and author of The Writer's ABC Checklist.
‘A beautifully laid-out spiral of unfolding tragedy in German-occupied France; a tale of courage, hardship, forbidden love and the possibility of redemption in times of terror.’ ... Perry Iles, proofreader.
‘Once I picked this up I found it nigh impossible to put down ... Loosely based on the tragic events of Oradour Sur Glane in 1944, this novel doesn't pull any punches and will remain with the reader for a long time.’ ... Lovely Treez: http://www.lovelytreez.com/?p=778
‘Wolfsangel is a powerful story that has stayed with me since finishing the last page. Wow.’ ... Megan ReadingInTheSunshine: http://readinginthesunshine.wordpress.com/tag/wolfsangel/
‘... an absorbing, well-researched and well-written novel ideal for anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction and like Liza Perrat's previous novel, Spirit of Lost Angels there are courageous female characters at the heart of the storyline.’... L. H. Healy "Books are life, beauty and truth." : http://thelittlereaderlibrary.blogspot.fr/2014/06/wolfsangel-liza-perrat.html?spref=fb
‘... reviewed for Historical Novel Society ... entertaining play on the familiar theme of love in the twilight of politics and honour and grippingly dramatic. The prose and the writing are beautiful, the central character conflict and the outcome are very satisfying and the book is a solid achievement.’... ChristophFischerBooks: http://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/wolfsangel/
‘... a fascinating, forceful and extremely well researched novel that will thrill historical fiction fans. Liza Perrat writes elegantly, with feeling and authority.’... Lincs Reader: http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox.blogspot.fr/2013/11/wolfsangel-by-liza-perrat.html
Blood Rose Angel
Book 3 in The Bone Angel series
Available now as print and E-book.
books2read.com/u/mgL8nR
1348. A bone-sculpted angel and the woman who wears it––heretic, Devil’s servant, saint.
Midwife Héloïse has always known that her bastard status threatens her standing in the French village of Lucie-sur-Vionne. Yet her midwifery and healing skills have gained the people’s respect, and she has won the heart of the handsome Raoul Stonemason. The future looks hopeful. Until the Black Death sweeps into France.
Terrified that Héloïse will bring the pestilence into their cottage, Raoul forbids her to treat its victims. Amidst the grief and hysteria, the villagers searching for a scapegoat, Héloïse must choose: preserve her marriage, or honour the oath she swore on her dead mother’s soul? And even as she places her faith in the protective powers of her angel talisman, she must prove she’s no Devil’s servant, her talisman no evil charm.
Longlisted, MsLexia Women's Novel Competition, 2015
Blood Rose Angel Editorial Reviews
Blood Rose Angel, from the spellbinding The Bone Angel series, tells a story of continuing family traditions, friendships overcoming adversity, and how good and evil are too often bestowed on fellow humans in the name of faith––Zoe Saadia, author of ‘The Rise of the Aztecs’ and ‘The Peacemaker’ series.
Medicine, religion, and love intertwine in this captivating, richly-detailed portrait of a young woman’s search for identity as the Black Death makes its first inroads into Europe. Liza Perrat uses her training as a midwife and her experiences living in a French village to create a compelling and unforgettable heroine determined to heal the sick in a world still ruled by superstition––C. P. Lesley, author of The Golden Lynx and The Winged Horse
The balance between the darkness and the light makes this book so wonderful ... an emotional reading experience. I was deeply moved ... –– Magdalena (book blogger)
I could not tear myself away ... Liza Perrat has now joined the ranks of my favorite authors. The first few pages hook you and never let up. I tore through this book so quickly I was sad when it ended. Yes ... that enjoyable –– Melinda (book blogger)
For me Heloise represents those forgotten women, intelligent, brave and indomitable who have formed the heart and soul of every town and village throughout history. Wonderful –– Chris Curran, author of Mindsight.
Liza Perrat paints an enthralling picture of the ignorance and superstition that allowed the plague to spread inexorably and unchecked. The author is particularly gifted at transporting you to the historical setting and everyday detail of people’s lives –– Vanessa Couchman, author of The House at Zaronza.
One of those books that once started was impossible to put down and yet at the same time one of those novels that you didn't want to pick up knowing that every page read was a page closer to having to say goodbye to some wonderful characters not to mention the end of an exceptional trilogy –– Tracy Terry (book blogger).
Héloïse is a strong and inspiring main character; an amazing woman to guide you to a very dark chapter in history –– Maryline (book blogger).
I loved Heloise's character ... a strong woman ... sure of her powers of healing. She oozes confidence through most of the book. I also liked how the author included a lot on the methods that Heloise would have used as a midwife during the time period –– Meg, A Bookish Affair.
Liza Perrat has quickly become one of my favourite authors. In her new sweeping tale, Blood Rose Angel, emotions overwhelmed me right from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat with my heart in my throat right through to the last page, when I sat there stunned that it was all over. It was like leaving a best friend behind –– Cindy, (Book Blogger).
... the author's medical background, her artistic brush strokes in language, and the so deftly integrated literary devices elevate this novel to a very fine work of historical (and literary quality) fiction ... I was sad when the story ended –– will particularly miss Midwife Heloise. Though well suited to the story path, the climax and ending of Blood Rose Angel did suggest a possible sequel. We can hope! –– Bernice L. Rocque, Author of Until the Robin Walks on Snow.
With flawless and progressive characterization and each characters emoting to dot, the story was simply magnetic. I had to finish the book off! –– Shree, Book Blogger
About the Author
Liza grew up in Wollongong, Australia, where she worked as a general nurse and midwife. She has now lived in rural France for over twenty years, working as a medical translator and a novelist.
For more information on Liza and her writing, please visit her website: www.lizaperrat.com
or her blog: http://lizaperrat.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liza-Perrat-232382930192297/
Twitter: @LizaPerrat
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/triskelebooks/
For occasional book news and a free copy of Ill-fated Rose, short story that inspired The Bone Angel series, click HERE.
Contents
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Author’s Note
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Thank you for reading a Triskele Book
Other novels by Liza Perrat
About the Author
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