The House by the Loch: ‘a deeply satisfying work of pure imagination’ - Damian Barr

A Scottish Number One Bestseller and Book of the Month.

A novel of family drama and long-hidden secrets, set in the beautiful Scottish countryside, from the bestselling author of The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle.

‘Evocatively drawn’ Sunday Times | ‘Rich, layered and compelling, Wark’s debut was impressive; with this novel she has really hit her stride’ Yorkshire Post | ‘A deeply satisfying work of pure imagination’ Damian Barr, author of You Will Be Safe Here | ‘Beautiful and atmospheric’ Alistair Moffat, author of The Hidden Ways |‘Rich and pleasing’ Allan Massie, The Scotsman | ‘Beautifully written’ Daily Mail | ‘One to savour’ Sunday Express | ‘An epic masterpiece’ Philippa Perry

Scotland, 1950s

Walter MacMillan is bewitched by the clever, glamorous Jean Thompson and can’t believe his luck when she agrees to marry him. Neither can she, for Walter represents a steady and loving man who can perhaps quiet the demons inside her. Yet their home on remote Loch Doon soon becomes a prison for Jean and neither a young family, nor Walter’s care, can seem to save her.

Many years later, Walter is with his adult children and adored grandchildren on the shores of Loch Doon where the family has been holidaying for two generations. But the shadows of the past stretch over them and will turn all their lives upside down on one fateful weekend.

The House by the Loch is the story of a family in all its loving complexity, and the way it can, and must, remake itself endlessly in order to make peace with the past.

‘Powerful and compelling’ Sue Lawrence | ‘Her understanding of family - its mysteries, losses and secrets - is masterful’ Julie Myerson