The Home Child

Inspired by a true story, a beautiful novel-in-verse about a child far from home. From award-winning poet Liz Berry.

*WINNER OF THE WRITERS'' PRIZE - BOOK OF THE YEAR*
*WINNER OF THE WRITERS'' PRIZE FOR POETRY*

''A profound act of witness to a long injustice, and a beautifully crafted conjuring of a life lived as truly as possible'' Guardian ''Book of the Day''
''Ground-breaking'' Benjamin Zephaniah
''Exquisite'' Hannah Lowe, author of The Kids

''Home''s not a place, you must believe this,
but one who names you and means beloved.''

In 1908, Eliza Showell, twelve years old and newly orphaned, boards a ship that will carry her from the slums of the Black Country to rural Nova Scotia. She will never return to Britain or see her family again. She is a Home Child, one of thousands of British children sent to Canada to work as indentured farm labourers and domestic servants.

In Nova Scotia, Eliza''s world becomes a place where ordinary things are transfigured into treasures - a red ribbon, the feel of a foal''s mane, the sound of her name on someone else''s lips. With nothing to call her own, the wild beauty of Cape Breton is the only solace Eliza has - until another Home Child, a boy, comes to the farm and changes everything.

Inspired by the true story of Liz Berry''s great aunt, this spellbinding novel in verse is an exquisite portrait of a girl far from home.

''Vivid, compassionate and makes Eliza Showell''s voice heard at last'' Financial Times *Best Poetry Books of summer 2023*

''A haunting, deeply compelling narrative'' Andrew McMillan, author of physical

''Only Liz Berry could write such raw and staggeringly beautiful poems'' Fiona Benson, author of Vertigo & Ghost