Photo: Patrizia Casamirra
We are thrilled that Gallic Books will publish two novels by Charles Lambert. Emily Boyce acquired world English language rights from Isobel Dixon in a two-book deal. THE BONE FLOWER will be published in September 2022 and BIRTHRIGHT will follow in May 2023.
Set in London in the 1880s, THE BONE FLOWER is a deliciously gothic and atmospheric novel. It is a story of love and guilt, of friendship and betrayal, where the boundary between the living and the dead becomes ever less certain.
BIRTHRIGHT is a gripping literary novel with the plot elements of a psychological thriller, and the beautiful prose nuance and depth of Edward St Aubyn, Graham Greene or Ian McEwan.
Boyce said: ‘A particularly gloomy January was brightened for us when Charles Lambert delivered the manuscripts of not one but two fantastic new novels, written during last year’s lockdowns. Charles is an immensely versatile writer, and these are two very different novels – one a Victorian gothic ghost story, the other a contemporary drama set between the UK and Italy – but both are characteristically dark, gripping, and beautifully realised.’
Lambert commented: ‘I am thrilled to be working once again with the wonderful team at Gallic on these two novels, confident that they are in the best and most professional of hands. Thank you for your faith in me and in my work. It’s a joy to have you on my side.’
Isobel Dixon said: ‘Charles Lambert is a master of both psychological realism and the literary uncanny and I’m delighted that Gallic Books will publish THE BONE FLOWER and BIRTHRIGHT, embracing the range of his talents, and continuing a very happy publishing relationship.’
About Charles Lambert
Charles Lambert is the author of several novels, short stories, and the memoir WITH A ZERO AT ITS HEART, which was voted one of THE GUARDIAN readers’ Ten Best Books of the Year in 2014.
In 2007, he won an O.Henry Award for his short story THE SCENT OF CINNAMON. His first novel, LITTLE MONSTERS, was longlisted for the 2010 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. His novel PRODIGAL was shortlisted for the Polari Prize for LGBTQ writing in 2019. Born in England, Charles Lambert has lived in central Italy since 1980.
Praise for Charles Lambert
‘Honest, sharp and beautifully written – rare, truthful writing.’ – Ann Cleeves
‘Charles Lambert is a terrific, devious storyteller.’ – Owen King
‘Charles Lambert writes as if his life depends on it. He takes risks at every turn.’ – Hannah Tinti
‘Charles Lambert is writer who could one day attain classic status.' – Maggie Gee
‘A writer who never ceases to surprise.’ – Jenny Offill
‘A seriously good writer.’ – Beryl Bainbridge