This was a truly wonderful read. Stunningly written, it had all the qualities of a slow-burn, sweeping epic while being readable in one sitting.

In Victorian England we follow Nathan, the son of a viscount, who has been sent to live in the family’s summer home following a disagreement with his father (the exact details of which we don’t learn until later). As he is settling in to his new solitary life he meets the new groundskeeper, Peter, and they strike up a tentative friendship.

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The romance between the two main characters built up so organically across the book, and you could feel Nathan’s yearning through the page. (So much yearning!) They complement each other really well as characters, and you can’t help but root for them from the get go.

As well as the romance, the other key element here is a gothic one. Nathan can hear and see things others can’t, and is able to recall melodies which he has never heard, but the listener remembers from their childhood. These touches added an air of darkness and mystery to the book that I loved, and I loved that we as the reader got to explore them alongside Nathan as he begins to experiment with his talents.

I can’t wait to read more from Talbot Finch; if this debut is anything to go by, great things are in store!

I received a free copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.