HarperCollins Publishers

The Cleft

Doris Lessing, 2008

Doris Lessing, one of England's finest living novelists, invites us to imagine a mythical society free from sexual intrigue, free from jealousy, free from petty rivalries: a society free from men. An old Roman senator, contemplative at his late stage of life, embarks on what will likely be his last endeavour: the retelling of the story of human creation. He recounts the history of the Clefts, an ancient community of women living in an Edenic, coastal wilderness, confined within the valley of an overshadowing mountain. The Clefts have no need, or knowledge, of men – childbirth is controlled, like the tides that lap around their feet, through the cycles of the moon, and their children are always female. But with the unheralded birth of a strange, new child – a boy – the harmony of their community is suddenly thrown into jeopardy. At first, in their ignorance, the Clefts are awestruck by this seemingly malformed child, but as more and more of these threateningly unfamiliar males appear, now unfavourably nicknamed Squirts, they are rejected, and are exposed on the nearby mountainside; sacrificed to the patrolling eagles overhead, the sentinels of their female haven. Unbeknownst to the Clefts, however, these baby males survive, aided by the very eagles sent to kill them, and thrive on their own on the other side of the mountain. It is not until an unusually curious young Cleft named Maire goes beyond the geographical, and emotional, divide of the mountain that this disquieting fact is uncovered – a discovery that forces the Clefts to accept and realign themselves to the prospect of a now shared world, and the possible vengeance of the wronged males. In this fascinating and beguiling novel, Lessing confronts head-on the themes that inspired much of her early writing: how men and women, two similar and yet thoroughly distinct creatures, manage to live side by side in the world, and how the specifics of gender affect every aspect of our existence. Подробнее

Ines of My Soul

Isabel Allende, 2008

The vibrant new novel from Isabel Allende takes her back to her homeland of Chile, and tells the story of the first Spanish woman to arrive on its shores with the Conquistadors in the 1500s. A real historical figure, Inés Suarez came to Chile with the Conquistadors in 1540, helping to claim the territory for Spain and to found the first Spanish settlement in Santiago. In this remarkable novel, Isabel Allende – one of the world's most spellbinding storytellers – re-imagines Inés's life and that of the two men who become her lover and husband respectively. ‘Inés of My Soul’ evokes the conflict and drama of the Conquistadors' arrival in Chile, as well as helping restore the reputation of Inés, a powerful woman long neglected by history and a patriarchal society. It also finds Allende returning to territory beloved of her and her readers – imaginative historical fiction, evocatively told – and to the familiar landscape of her native country. The novel gives Inés the recognition and glory that are rightfully hers; but more than that it is an epic tale of love and conquest, lyrically written and enchantingly told by a writer at the peak of her powers. Подробнее

The Good Terrorist

Doris Lessing, 2009

A hugely significant political novel for the late twentieth-century from one of the outstanding writers of the modern era and Winner of the Nobel Prize for Fiction 2007. In a London squat a band of bourgeois revolutionaries are united by a loathing of the waste and cruelty they see around them. These maladjusted malcontents try desperately to become involved in terrorist activities far beyond their level of competence. Only Alice seems capable of organising anything. Motherly, practical and determined, she is also easily exploited by the group and ideal fodder for a more dangerous and potent cause. Eventually their naïve radical fantasies turn into a chaos of real destruction, but the aftermath is not as exciting as they had hoped. Nonetheless, while they may not have changed the world, their lives will never be the same again… Подробнее

A Place of Greater Safety

Hilary Mantel, 2007

An extraordinary and brilliant work of historical imagination – this is Mantel’s epic novel of the French Revolution. A spellbinding novel which recounts the events between the fall of the Ancient Regime and the peak of the Terror, as seen through the eyes of the French Revolution’s three protagonists – Georges-Jacques Danton, Maximilien Robespierre and Camille Desmoulins, men whose mix of ambition, idealism, and ego helped unleash the darker side of the Revolution’s ideals and brought them eventually to their own tragic ends. Critically acclaimed upon first publication, ‘A Place of Greater Safety’ is one of Mantel’s most celebrated works of fiction. Подробнее

Comrade Jim: The Spy Who Played for Spartak

James Riordan, 2009

The true and remarkable story of the English double agent who ended up playing for Spartak Moscow. Like many working class children growing up in the war, the young Jim Riordan would fantasise his way out of his devastated surroundings with dreams of Wembley and FA Cup glory for his local team, Portsmouth FC. Spartak Moscow, the team he would end up playing for, wasn't even on his radar. Taught Russian and trained as a spy in the same institution that nurtured the likes of Alan Bennett and Michael Frayn, he was posted to Berlin as part of his National Service to listen in on Soviet military communiqués. But, unbeknownst to his seniors, he began mixing with Russian servicemen, mostly through informal kick-abouts, and the passion of these idealistic young men would cultivate his interest in Russian culture, and especially communism, until it blossomed into a full-grown love affair. From the shambolic outfit that was the British Communist Party in the 1950s, to Cold War Moscow at its coldest, to his friendship with the Cambridge Five and meetings with Brezhnev and Gregarin, and his eventual debut in front of 50,000 Spartak fans at the Lenin Stadium, ‘Comrade Jim’ is the remarkable true story of the only Englishman to have played – and survived – Russian league football, told with grace, humour and lashings of vodka. An incredible journey of an ordinary man living through extraordinary times. Подробнее

Paddington and the Christmas Surprise

Michael Bond, 2008

New edition of this funny, festive picture book about Paddington, the beloved, classic bear from darkest Peru. Paddington Bear knows just what he wants for Christmas and is anxious to make sure Santa Claus knows too. A trip to Santa’s grotto at the department store is his perfect chance to make his wishes known – but not everything goes quite according to plan! Подробнее

Gold Diggers

Tasmina Perry, 2008

Glamour, intrigue, lust and betrayal merge in the sizzling new blockbuster from The Sunday Times bestselling author of Daddy’s Girls New York billionaire Adam Gold is moving to London. He's sexy, single and about to come face to face with The Gold Diggers. Karin the jet-setting swimsuit entrepreneur and London's most glamorous socialite. Adam Gold could be her perfect accessory. Erin the naive country girl who snares the job as Adam's PA. But the bright lights and obscene money threaten to lose her everything she once held dear. Molly, a fading eighties supermodel with an expensive drug habit. Adam could be her last chance at gaining the ultimate lifestyle before time finally catches up with her. Summer is Molly's daughter. A burgeoning beauty living in the shadows of her famous mother. Now the tables are about to turn when she lands herself a television deal and becomes 'the next big thing.' From Monte Carlo to Lake Como, St Moritz to St Barts, Gold Diggers takes us on a heady journey through the social circuit of the super-rich, plunging the reader into a world of sex, murder and scorching betrayal. Tasmina Perry is bringing sexy back! Подробнее

Always and Forever

Cathy Kelly, 2008

The warm and engaging new novel from the bestselling author of BEST OF FRIENDS. Fairy godmothers do exist, even in the tranquil hills of Ireland… Once upon a time, in the beautiful town of Carrickwell, lived three women whose lives were mapped out: Ambitious Mel would have her career and her family; caring Daisy a child with the boyfriend who is everything to her; and hot-headed Cleo would finish her degree and step into the family hotel business. Until the landscape shifted and it all came tumbling down. But Carrickwell, nestled in the shadows of Mount Carraig, is an ancient, magical place. And when Leah, a woman with her own secret turmoil, opens the Clouds Hill spa, Mel, Daisy and Cleo are thrown together – and find the courage to discover what really matters to them, always and forever… Подробнее

Past Secrets

Cathy Kelly, 2008

The women of Summer Street have their fair share of secrets and soon learn that if you keep a secret too long it will creep out when you least expect it… The warm and moving new novel from the No. 1 Bestselling author of Always and Forever. Keep a secret too long and it will creep out when you least expect it… Behind the shining windows and rose-bedecked gardens of Summer Street, there are lots of secrets. There’s the one that hard-working single mother, Faye, hides from her teenage daughter, Amber. And there’s the one that thirty-year-old Maggie hides from herself. When fiery Amber decides to throw away her future for love, and when Maggie ends up back home looking after her sick mother, their secrets begin to bubble over. The only person on Summer Street who appears to know all the answers is their friend Christie. Wise and kind, she can see into other people’s hearts to solve their problems. Except that this time, the secrets she’s hidden from her beloved husband and grown up sons suddenly reappear. When the past comes alive for Maggie, Faye and Christie, they finally have to face it. Подробнее

The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet

Colleen McCullough, 2009

By the author of the hugely successful ‘The Thorn Birds’ It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone who loved PRIDE AND PREJUDICE will want to know what happened to the Bennet sisters… Twenty years on, Jane has a happy marriage and large family; Lizzy and Mr Darcy now have a formidable social reputation; Lydia has a reputation of quite another kind; Kitty is much in demand in London’s parlours and ballrooms; but what of Mary? Mary is quietly celebrating her independence, having nursed her ailing mother for many years. She decides to write a book to bring the plight of the poor to everyone’s attention. But with more resolve than experience, as she sets out to travel around the country, it’s not only her family who are concerned about her. Marriage may be far from her mind, but what if she were to meet the one man whose own fiery articles infuriate the politicians and industrialists? And what if when she starts to ask similar questions, she unwittingly places herself in great danger? Подробнее

The Street Philosopher

Matthew Plampin, 2009

An elegant, powerful novel, set in Victorian England, a time not so different from our own… perfect for fans of «The Interpretation Of Murder» and «The Shadow Of The Wind». Ambitious young journalist Thomas Kitson arrives at the battlefields of the Crimea as the London Courier’s man on the ground. It is a dangerous place, full of the worst horrors of war but Kitson is determined to make his mark. Under the tutelage of his hard-bitten Irish boss Cracknell, and assisted by artist Robert Styles, he sets about exposing the incompetence of the army generals. Two years later, as Sebastopol burns, Thomas returns to England under mysterious circumstances. Desperate to forget the atrocities of the Crimea, he takes a job as a ‘street philosopher’, a society writer reporting on the gossip of the day. But on the eve of the great Art Treasures Exhibition, as Manchester prepares to welcome Queen Victoria, Thomas’s past returns to haunt him in the most horrifying way… Подробнее

Handy Street Map London Scale: 1:17,500 (3.62 inches to 1 mile). A London map to cover all eventualities. It is clear and easy to read but with a lot of detail. It has a large area of coverage but is presented in a handy compact format. MAIN FEATURES This attractive map has an extensive area of coverage and displays a wealth of detail all for only £2.99 a copy. It is fully indexed and has the London underground map conveniently located on the back cover. INCLUDES • Fully classified roads. • Colour-coded buildings. • Postal districts and boundaries clearly depicted. • Full indexes to street names, place names and places of interest. WHO THE MAP IS OF INTEREST TO This is a general purpose map, ideal for tourists and residents. AREA OF COVERAGE Extends from Hampstead in the north to Clapham in the south and from Hammersmith in the west to Greenwich in the east. Подробнее

Letters from Father Christmas

J. R. R. Tolkien, 2009

The first ever B-format edition of Tolkien’s complete Father Christmas letters, including a new introduction and rare archive materials. Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R.Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful coloured drawing or some sketches. The letters were from Father Christmas. They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas’s house into the dining-room; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house! Sometimes the Polar Bear would scrawl a note, and sometimes Ilbereth the Elf would write in his elegant flowing script, adding yet more life and humour to the stories. No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness and ‘authenticity’ of Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas. To mark ten years since the publication of the complete edition of Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas in 1999, this new edition is the first time the letters have been available in B format. Подробнее

Citizen

Charlie Brooks, 2009

From former top trainer Charlie Brooks comes a thriller of horseracing, dirty dealing, big business and a test of loyalty under extreme pressure… General Shalakov, brutal Russian oligarch, has business interests across many continents. Yet he craves prestige in the West. His ambition is to corner the thoroughbred stallion market in Europe. Massively rich, he is prepared to bribe, torture and murder to achieve his goal. Tipper O’Reilly, apprentice jockey, learns the hard way that survival is as much about what happens off the track as in the saddle. And he’s about to be drawn into a whole different world. Coerced into working at Shalakov’s state-of-the-art training complex miles from Moscow, Tipper has no concept of what's really going on behind the efficient facade. There'll be only one survivor of the final race. Подробнее

Apache

Ed Macy, 2009

An astonishing first book, ‘Apache’ is a story of courage, comradeship, technology and tragedy, during the ongoing war in Afghanistan. ‘Apache’ is the first book to come from the cockpit of the most sophisticated fighting helicopter the world has ever known. Designed in the mid 1980s to take on the Soviets, these machines have proven themselves as the perfect tool for combat in Afghanistan. Ed Macy's account of the incredibly hard Apache selection process, tougher than that of the SAS, combined with his description of the sheer difficulty of flying one of these helicopters, provides a fascinating insight into the relationship between man and machine fighting in the toughest conditions imaginable. The climactic build-up to the rescue mission at Jugroom Fort is both dramatic and deeply moving. The rescue of Lance Corporal Mathew Ford has been hailed as one of the most remarkable and daring rescues of modern wartime and Ed's bravery on the ground at Jugroom Fort led to him being awarded the Military Cross – one of the first in the Army Air Corps' history. Taking the reader right to the heart of the war in Afghanistan, ‘Apache’ offers an unprecedented degree of proximity to the action and horror that troops in the region are faced with on a daily basis. Gripping from the first page to the last, it is utterly compelling and impossible to put down. Подробнее

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel, 2009

Winner of the Man Booker Prize 2009! In the ruthless arena of King Henry VIII's court, only one man dares to gamble his life to win the king's favor and ascend to the heights of political power England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the king dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years, and marry Anne Boleyn. The pope and most of Europe opposes him. The quest for the king's freedom destroys his adviser, the brilliant Cardinal Wolsey, and leaves a power vacuum. Into this impasse steps Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell is a wholly original man, a charmer and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people and a demon of energy: he is also a consummate politician, hardened by his personal losses, implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph? Подробнее

The Sum of Our Days

Isabel Allende, 2009

In this heartfelt memoir, Isabel Allende reconstructs her own life in the wake of tragic loss—the death of her daughter, Paula. Recalling the past thirteen years from the daily correspondence she shared with her mother in Chile, Allende bares her soul in a book that is as exuberant as its author. She recounts the stories of the wildly eccentric and eclectic tribe she gathers around her that becomes a new kind of family. Throughout, Allende shares her thoughts on love, motherhood, spirituality, infidelity, addiction, and memory. Here, too, are the amazing stories behind Allende's books, the superstitions that guide her writing process, and her adventurous travels. Ultimately, «The Sum of Our Days» offers a unique tour of this gifted writer's inner world and the relationships that have become essential to her life and her work. Narrated with warmth, humor, exceptional candor, and wisdom, «The Sum of Our Days» is a portrait of a contemporary family, tied together by the love, fierce loyalty, and stubborn determination of a beloved, indomitable matriarch. Подробнее

Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones

Derek Landy, 2009

Third bone-breaking, belly-busting adventure in the series that puts the “funny” back in… um… funny series. That didn’t really work, did it? If you’ve read the previous Skulduggery books then you know what the Faceless Ones are – and if you know what the Faceless Ones are, then you can probably take a wild guess that things in this book are going to get AWFULLY sticky for our skeletal hero and his young sidekick. If you haven’t read the previous Skulduggery books then what are you doing reading this? Go and read them right now, so that you know what all that stuff in the previous paragraph was about. Done? Good. So now you’re on tenterhooks too, desperately awaiting the answers to all your questions, and instead you’re going to have to wait to read the book. Sorry about that. Подробнее

Sidney Sheldon's Mistress of the Game

Tilly Bagshawe, 2009

The spellbinding sequel to Sidney Sheldon’s «Master of the Game», one of the most glamorous and suspenseful tales ever told… It began with Jamie MacGregor, stealing diamonds in Africa. It continued with his daughter, the powerful Kate Blackwell, who grew her father’s company into a world wide conglomerate. Now the story passes to the next generation. Spanning the decades and picking up exactly where Sidney Sheldon’s bestselling Master of the Game finished, Mistress of the Game follows the Blackwell family as they love, lose, scheme and murder through the 80s up until the present day. Heart–stopping and glamorous, tense and provocative, Mistress of the Game is the sequel that Sheldon fans have been waiting for… Подробнее

The Winner Stands Alone

Coelho Paulo, 2009

The Winner Stands Alone is the enthralling new novel by the incomparable Paulo Coelho. The story is set during the Cannes International Film Festival and the entire action plays out over 24 hours. Igor is a wealthy Russian businessman. His wife Ewa left him two years ago and Igor has never really come to terms with their break up, especially as Ewa is now remarried to a famous fashion designer, Hamid Hussein. Igor is insanely jealous and when Ewa left him he told her that he would destroy 'whole worlds' in order to get her back, and he intends to keep his promise! Igor has followed Ewa and her new husband to Cannes and his plan is to cause as much violence and destruction as possible until Ewa realises how much he loves her and comes back to him. Ewa loved Igor but she was absolutely terrified of him. She knows that Igor has killed people in the past when he was a soldier, but she also knows a dark secret — that he once cold bloodedly murdered a beggar who was bothering them in a restaurant. Igor is clearly unhinged and he will stop at nothing to regain her love and so he goes on a ruthless killing spree until he tracks down Ewa... The star-studded film festival acts as a backdrop to Igor's maniacal murdering spree and we are ntroduced to various characters along the way, all of whom are desperately trying to get their big break in the shallow world of show business; Gabriela a young and naive actress who is being exploited by her agent and Jasmine a troubled young Rwandan refugee working as a model. The Winner Stands Alone is a gripping, fast-paced thriller, and Coelho cleverly weaves in elements of social satire, poking fun at our celebrity and money obsessed culture. Подробнее

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