Out now in hardback, paperback and ebook from Amethyst Press!
At the Holy House, a lady asks seven-year-old Marian to hold her baby while she lights a candle. Marian takes the child in her arms. It is wrapped up tight, shiny as an Easter egg. She wants to pull back its golden shawl, look at the hidden face. But it’s too hot; her hands are burning. The baby bursts into flames.
Twenty years later, Mother throws Marian out of the family home believing her to be pregnant. After Mother falls ill, a reluctant Marian assumes caretaking duties in the church of her childhood. There she meets homeless man John and offers him shelter in the church cell where an anchoress had visions, and soon memories of a 1970s summer begin to re-emerge.
Amethyst Press is delighted to be publishing this striking novel from Jane Liffen, set in East Anglia and drawing together the spiritual and earthly strands of existence. Beautifully written throughout, The Slipper Chapel documents sensitive and observant Marian’s encounter with homeless man John, as well as the mysteries and complexities of Marian’s own past.
Editor Sarah writes: ‘I’ve been a long-time admirer of Jane Liffen’s writing, and can attest to how skilfully she can weave a narrative that is both joyously imaginative and profoundly thought-provoking. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to work with Jane in preparing this novel for publication.’
We’ll be holding some online (and hopefully in-person) events to celebrate the book – please check back for dates and venues.
All formats are available online or to be ordered locally:
Amethyst Review 