The Colour of Milk

Nell Leyshon's first novel, Black Dirt, was long-listed for the Orange Prize, and shortlisted for the Commonwealth prize. Her plays include Comfort me with Apples, which won an Evening Standard Award, and Bedlam, which was the first play written by a woman for Shakespeare's Globe. She writes for BBC Radio 3 and 4, and won the Richard Imison Award for her first radio play. Nell was born in Glastonbury and lives in Dorset.

Shocking and haunting. Read it, in one sitting Spectator Charming, Bronte-esque, compelling, special and hard to forget. I loved it Marian Keyes A small tour de force - a wonderfully convincing voice, and a devastating story told with great skill Penelope Lively Starts deceptively quietly, describing a life of rural hardships and limited prospects, but bit by bit, letter by letter, it reveals a world of potential that is shattered by human fallibility Daily Telegraph Astounding ... one of the most compelling narrators I've ever encountered Stylist It is once in a blue moon that an author creates a voice quite as alive and as startling as Mary's. Leyshon deserves to be showered with awards Sunday Express Brilliant, devastating and unforgettable Easy Living Spare and beautifully crafted, compelling. Like a love letter to the power of words Marie Claire An astounding read. Like the best bits of Hardy's Tess of the D'Ubervilles ... Mary is one of the most compelling narrators I've ever encountered ... packs a powerful punch ... a very British gem Stylist I loved it. Charming, Bronte-esque, compelling, special and hard to forget. I loved Mary's voice - so inspiring and likeable. Such a hopeful book Marian Keyes Haunting, distinctive voices. Mary's spare simple words paint brilliant pictures in the reader's mind. Leyshon's imaginative powers are considerable Independent Leyshon is a master of domestic suspense ... Slender but compelling, the charm is to be found as much in its spare, evocative style as in the moving candour of its narrator Observer

Shocking and haunting. Read it, in one sitting Spectator