Flock

Description

Francis Sprigge and Lilian Powys, two strangers escaping their past, move to the Blue Mountains together, following their dreams of creativity and love. But as Francis pursues his gift for designing exquisite wallpaper, Lilian finds that the ordinary life she craves remains frustratingly beyond reach. Despite her adoring husband and spirited young daughter Adelaide, Lilian cannot outrun her demons, and cracks soon appear in the family's harmonious veneer. Nearly thirty years later, Addie Sprigge returns to her childhood haunts to lead a small team of conservators in the restoration of a historic mansion. But as they peel back the layers of wallpaper and begin to uncover the secrets of the house, the past resurfaces in unexpected ways. Addie learns much more about herself, and her parents, than she ever could have anticipated. Flock is the captivating story of talented and passionate people and the ghosts they must lay to rest, as well as a ravishing exploration of the nature of love - and wallpaper.

Born in Wales in 1952, Lyn Hughes spent eighteen years in South Africa before settling in Australia in 1982. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novels, The Factory (1990), shortlisted for the National Book Council's New Writing Award, One Way Mirrors (1993), The Bright House (2000) and Flock (2012). Lyn divides her time between Sydney and the Blue Mountains.