Mothernight is Sarah Stovell's debut novel and it is startlingly accomplished.
Leila Hartley is a boarder at an exclusive girls' school in Kent. Leila is a genius, but very much alone - she hasn't even been home to see her family for years. Devestatingly clever, she confounds both her teachers and fellow pupils.
When Oliva Rudham arrives at the school, she is roomed with Leila and the two form an intense friendship.
Despite their intimacy, Leila keeps her past a secret from Olivia. Then, Leila's father invites them both back to the family home for the summer and the truth is finally unravelled.
Written in three narrative voices: Leila, Olivia and Kathryn, Leila's stepmother, this novel is intense and absorbing. The relationship between the girls is convincingly portrayed - as is the gothic, suffocating feel of the boarding school.
I really like Stowell's writing style. It allows for dry humour alongside the drama, and never sacrifices story for literary pretension.
In fact, more important than its intelligence, this book feels real. I believed in the grief and obsession and love so thoroughly that the chacters of Katherine, Olivia and Leila stayed with me long after I finished reading.
A page-turner with soul and a debut author to watch with interest...
Mothernight is out in March 2008.
Rating: 4/5
Like this? Try: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
