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The Empty Sleeve
The Empty Sleeve
Nov 15, 2024 8:04 AM

Author:Leon Garfield

The Empty Sleeve

'Him what's born on the chime . . . he's the one what'll have communications with the devil.'

At the age of fourteen, 'chime-child' Peter Gannet is apprenticed to a locksmith in Covent Garden. But his desperate longing to escape from the insufferable adults around him and go to sea leads him into some dubious undertakings. Before long, the old ship's carpenter's dire prophecy comes true, for in the locksmith's workroom he meets a phantom with an empty sleeve.

Tense and atmospheric, this is a gripping thriller about ghosts, a wall of hands, envy, dishonesty and finally murder!

Reviews

A tale of twin apprentices and foul murder set in the wintry alleys of old London

—— Guardian

While The Garden is undeniably intense at times, Aidinoff has successfully leavened her tale with refreshing doses of humour and the sensual quality of the prose

—— Guardian

This is a remarkable, morally complicated provocative novel. I don't think teenagers should be allowed to keep it to themselves

—— Kate Kellaway , Observer

A lyrically scripted, refreshing, reflective, mischievous exploration of Genesis and its ambiguous symbolism

—— TES

One of the world's oldest stories becomes new again. . . . The story is at its best during the dialogues between Eve and the Serpent when age-old questions are asked and real answers are given - although not necessarily the answers that have been accepted for ages

—— Booklist USA

A fun and thought-provoking story of self-discovery, and the humour and gentleness with which Boyne delivers his message make it both unforgettable and delightful

—— Publishers Weekly

Sweepingly romantic, this book is a living, breathing memory of the whirlwind of emotions that go hand in hand with falling in love.

—— Sugarscape

One of the best storytellers

—— Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Mulligan certainly delivers in this extraordinary examination of grief....highly original, emotionally-charged black comedy / thriller. A worthy successor to Mulligan’s excellent Trash.

—— Daily Mail

[A] poignant, imaginative take on adolescence

—— The Times, Saturday Review

Addictive

—— Booktrust

I really enjoyed this funny, sad and truthful fable...Mulligan makes a great deal of friendship and the huge source of strength and support it can be.

—— The Book Bag

A poignant and heart-warming story about life and all the hardships and troubles that this can bring...A fascinating and brilliant read...Another blinding story from Andy Mulligan, which delivers the unexpected with superb imaginative qualities.

—— Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

A complex and absorbing novel with vivid characters

—— Booktrust

Gripping dark comedy . . . [A] clever portrayal of a boy on the cusp of adolescence struggling to reconcile opposing impulses within himself

—— Children's Books Ireland
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