Description

Book Synopsis

**AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO FOUR**

Set in the frozen north of Canada in 1972, this is a novel of painful histories and the moments in life when we can change for the better.

Clara's rebellious older sister is missing. Grief-stricken and bewildered, she yearns to uncover the truth about what happened.

Liam, newly divorced and newly unemployed, moves into the house next door and within hours gets a visit from the police.

Elizabeth is thinking about a crime committed thirty years ago, one that had tragic consequences for two families. She desperately wants to make amends before she dies.

**LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE**

'I've been telling everyone I know about Mary Lawson . . . Each of her novels is just a marvel' Anne Tyler

'Close to perfection' The Times

'Exquisitely poignant' Liane Moriarty



Trade Review
It's already one of my favourite books of the year * Rachel Joyce *
She has the God-given ability to convey the complexities of human nature in everyday language... Like a magician, Lawson hides her technique, and makes it all seem as natural as breathing -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *
A contemplative story about loss and regret, a slow burn of a read with a fire at its heart -- John Boyne * Irish Times *
Lawson's writing is such that it appears effortless but, as all the strands come together to create a rich and satisfying tapestry, her genius for storytelling becomes apparent * Irish Independent *
The doubts, difficulties and uncertainties of the human condition are carefully examined in a way that is both heartbreaking and joyful * Scotsman *
Subtle and darkly funny, this tender novel unspools the interconnected lives of her beautifully drawn characters * Daily Express *
An absorbing novel * Sunday Express *
Lawson has carved out a world in Northern Ontario that's vividly, absorbingly real... Carries you along from midnight to dawn, oblivious of the time * Literary Review *
A Town Called Solace keeps you breathless with anxiety, then relief and finally even joy -- Ferdinand Mount * Observer *
Close to perfection * The Times *

A Town Called Solace: ‘Will break your heart’

    Product form

    £9.49

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £9.99 – you save £0.50 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Mon 15 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Mary Lawson

    20 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of A Town Called Solace: ‘Will break your heart’ by Mary Lawson

      Publisher: Vintage Publishing
      Publication Date: 17/03/2022
      ISBN13: 9781529113433, 978-1529113433
      ISBN10: 1529113431

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      **AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO FOUR**

      Set in the frozen north of Canada in 1972, this is a novel of painful histories and the moments in life when we can change for the better.

      Clara's rebellious older sister is missing. Grief-stricken and bewildered, she yearns to uncover the truth about what happened.

      Liam, newly divorced and newly unemployed, moves into the house next door and within hours gets a visit from the police.

      Elizabeth is thinking about a crime committed thirty years ago, one that had tragic consequences for two families. She desperately wants to make amends before she dies.

      **LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE**

      'I've been telling everyone I know about Mary Lawson . . . Each of her novels is just a marvel' Anne Tyler

      'Close to perfection' The Times

      'Exquisitely poignant' Liane Moriarty



      Trade Review
      It's already one of my favourite books of the year * Rachel Joyce *
      She has the God-given ability to convey the complexities of human nature in everyday language... Like a magician, Lawson hides her technique, and makes it all seem as natural as breathing -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *
      A contemplative story about loss and regret, a slow burn of a read with a fire at its heart -- John Boyne * Irish Times *
      Lawson's writing is such that it appears effortless but, as all the strands come together to create a rich and satisfying tapestry, her genius for storytelling becomes apparent * Irish Independent *
      The doubts, difficulties and uncertainties of the human condition are carefully examined in a way that is both heartbreaking and joyful * Scotsman *
      Subtle and darkly funny, this tender novel unspools the interconnected lives of her beautifully drawn characters * Daily Express *
      An absorbing novel * Sunday Express *
      Lawson has carved out a world in Northern Ontario that's vividly, absorbingly real... Carries you along from midnight to dawn, oblivious of the time * Literary Review *
      A Town Called Solace keeps you breathless with anxiety, then relief and finally even joy -- Ferdinand Mount * Observer *
      Close to perfection * The Times *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account