Description
Mr Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt was longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and shortlisted for the Galaxy National Book Awards New Writer of the Year.
July, 1964. At home in Kent Winston Churchill wakes to a visitor: someone he hasn't seen for a while, a dark, mute bulk, watching him. It's Mr Chartwell.
In Battersea, Esther Hammerhans, young, vulnerable and alone, answers the door to her new lodger. Through the glass she sees a vast silhouette. It's Mr Chartwell.
Mr Chartwell is a large, black dog.
He is charismatic and dangerously seductive, but as their lives are slowly drawn together, can Esther and Winston withstand his strange, powerful charms and strong hold? For Mr Chartwell's motives are far darker and deeper than they seem.
'Charming, funny, moving, finely crafted and engagingly evocative' Independent
'Charming, original, rewarding, entertaining' Financial Times
'Brilliantly original and thought-provoking. Hunt tackles a serious topic with humour and intelligence' Sunday Express
Rebecca Hunt graduated from Central Saint Martins College with a first class honours degree in fine art. She lives and works in London. Her first novel, Mr Chartwell, was longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and shortlisted for the Galaxy National Book Awards New Writer of the Year.
About the Author
Rebecca Hunt graduated from Central Saint Martins College with a first class honours degree in fine art. She lives and works in London. Her first novel, Mr Chartwell, was longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award and shortlisted for the Galaxy National Book Awards New Writer of the Year.
Reviews
A remarkable debut. These are some of the best evocations of depression you'll read * Observer *
Extraordinary. Owing to Hunt's robust, intelligent style and ingenuiuty and compassion with which she deals with her story, it is very good indeed * Daily Telegraph *
Offers a powerful evocation of depression. Brilliantly original and thought-provoking. She tackles a serious topic with humour and intelligence and marks herself out as one to watch * Sunday Express *
Moving. Hunt treats her heavy themes with a light, intelligent touch and writes with a distinctive blend of humour, restraint and insight * Metro *
Marvellously original, tender and funny debut novel. Rebecca Hunt proves herself to be a gifted writer who has no need of fictional realism to deliver profound truths * Daily Mail *
Utterly gripping, truly innovative, beautifully written. One of those novels which knocks you sideways with the brilliance of the idea behind it * Stylist *
A real joy to read: funny, clever and original. A darkly comic debut that hits all the right notes * Scotsman *
Inventive and original * Grazia *
Awards
Short-listed for Galaxy National Book Awards: National Book Tokens New Writer of the Year 2010.
Book Information
ISBN 9780141049878
Author Rebecca Hunt
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 200g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 15mm