Shy Creatures

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From the Women's Prize longlisted, British Book Award-winning, bestselling author of Small Pleasures, comes a new novel exploring love, family, and freedom. Critics praise it as possibly even better than her previous work, with one calling it "a magnificent novel" and another affirming Clare Chambers as a leading talent in contemporary literature. Set in Croydon, 1964, the story follows Helen Hansford, an art therapist in her thirties embroiled in a long affair with Gil, a married doctor. The narrative shifts when a call about a disturbance leads to the discovery of William Tapping, a thirty-seven-year-old man who has been isolated in a derelict house for decades alongside his elderly aunt. As a talented artist, William's story captivates Helen, prompting her to delve into his life and experiences. This life-affirming tale examines the various forms of confinement and the intricate layers of ordinary lives. It celebrates the joy of freedom and the transformative power of kindness. With its lively, funny, and deeply compassionate narrative, the novel is described as completely absorbing and of the highest quality, offering a rich exploration of human connection and resilience.