Zachary Cloudesley is remarkable, gifted in many ways even he cannot perceive.
But not all gifts are a blessing.
Published by Doubleday in the UK, June 2022.
Paperback May 2023 by Penguin.
US and Canada edition due December 2023 with Union Square.
"Packed with intrigue, vividly drawn characters and heartstopping emotion, this beautifully written, ingeniously crafted debut is absolutely enthralling" - Sunday Express
"Using lively prose and filled with intriguing characters, this is an enjoyable and imaginative debut." - The Times
"A dashing, magical debut . . . intricately plotted, and peopled with intriguing characters" - Daily Mail
'Wild, bewitching and propulsive, Sean Lusk's drama of prophetic visions, exotic feats of engineering, transgressive desire and familial love is one of those novels that makes you rejoice that we are a storytelling species. The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley, peopled with vivid characters and sumptuously-imagined scenery is a triumph of the imagination, of language, and of generosity.' - Liz Jensen
LONGLISTED FOR THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION 2023
SUNDAY TIMES HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH
BBC BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOK CLUB PICK
Reviews
'This inventive, fantastical novel, which blends magical realism with historical fiction, is a memorable debut' The Times
'A dashing, magical debut....intricately plotted, and peopled with intriguing characters and cunning clockwork' Daily Mail
'Fans of eccentrically flavoured historical fiction with a touch of magic are in for a treat with this bustling Dickensian debut about a boy born with the ability to see into them inds of everyone he meets, and which spans 18th century Europe from London to Constantiniple' Metro
'An original coming-of-age tale...enjoyable and imaginative debut' Sunday Times (Historical Fiction Book of the Month)
'Lusk is already an accomplished and award-winning short story writer, and it shows in the scope of his world-building, and the emotional depth of his characters...a novel that confidently plays with elements of magical realism and historical fantasy' The Irish Times