Set during a blazing summer in the wake of the Second World War, The Offing recounts a tender story of love and friendship between a teenage miner and an eccentric older woman. Evoking the striking landscapes of the Durham Coast, Myer’s novel is an enthralling depiction of the journey from adolescence into adulthood.
An Observer Pick for 2019
One summer following the Second World War, Robert Appleyard sets out on foot from his Durham village. Sixteen and the son of a coal miner, he makes his way across the northern countryside until he reaches the former smuggling village of Robin Hood's Bay.
There he meets Dulcie, an eccentric, worldly, older woman who lives in a ramshackle cottage facing out to sea. Staying with Dulcie, Robert's life opens into one of rich food, sea-swimming, sunburn and poetry. The two come from different worlds, yet as the summer months pass, they form an unlikely friendship that will profoundly alter their futures.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 9781526611307
Number of pages: 272
Weight: 193 g
Dimensions: 198 x 129 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'Intense and evocative' - The Observer
'Book by book, over the past decade, Ben Myers has proved himself to be one of the most singular, moving and crucial voices of our times, making The Offing one of the must-read books of the year' - David Peace
'A gorgeous summer song of a book, quietly and precisely what the world needs, calling friendship and gentleness from people, place and language, The Offing is about the best of us. It is to be treasured and passed on' - Horatio Clare
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“Wonderful life affirming book!”
Beautifully descriptive book which I did not want to end. Cannot recommend highly enough. One of the best books I’ve ever read
“Left me in bittersweet tears...”
I have rarely had such a strong connection and reaction to a book as this – it had me immediately enraptured and I finished it in one sitting unable to tear myself away from this beautiful story and its wonderful... More
“Lyrical and oh so beautiful”
A coming of age story beautifully told. It is a time of hope just after the 2nd World War and Robert Appleyard goes for a walk in the beautiful Durham countryside. He encounters Dulcie Piper; a recluse, who lives off... More
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