‘Hornung is a beautiful writer’

‘An intriguing, powerful novel.’

‘A masterpiece.’

‘The long-awaited new novel from one of our finest writers.’

‘Provocative and ambitious.’

‘Utterly gripping…a compelling read.’

‘Beautiful….a startlingly original portrait of familial love and grief.’

‘This novel had such a tender beauty in so many moments, that even with the devastation that overshadows the story, the overriding feeling was joy.’

‘Asserts the power and possibility of remaking identity in the face of changes which impose adaptation and acceptance.’

‘Hornung has seeded the narrative with complicated issues that bloom, in her characteristically fertile prose, into ambivalent flower.‘

‘An epic…the beauty and playfulness of the prose dazzles, and Gem is an extraordinary creation.’

‘Gorgeous poetic writing and a fiercely sympathetic protagonist.’

‘important, engaging, and intimate. The writing is at times heartbreaking, at times really funny. A joy to read and re-read.’ ★★★★★

‘Gem’s world is rich and always surprising. Taking place over a lifetime spent, the novel is vast, proving a single setting can provide as much adventure as a person will ever need.’

‘Restorative and uplifting…Hornung reminds us that kindness will always reap rewards, and there is joy to be found, even when the world is ending.’