What do readers think of The Gifts by Liz Hyder? Write your own review.

As the author explains in her end of book conversation, The Gifts is a book about many things. The lush Victorian-era English backdrop is the perfect setting for a serious, heartwarming and oftentimes fantastical account of diversely gifted women navigating through the suffocating constraints of a patriarchal society. This includes a character based on the real life daughter of a freed slave and a plantation owner. It is exquisitely told and the brilliant chapter structure had me wishing this book was 1,000 pages long.

"The Gifts" by Liz Hyder is a mystical, tense, captivating glimpse into the lives of four women whose diverse paths or stories fatefully cross. The events occur in19th century England when women had few rights and male status and competition was supreme. "The Gifts" explores prejudices, the influence of religious beliefs when distorted, and the impact of manic greed and ego. The unfolding story is beautifully and sensitively presented - a page turner from start to end. Excellent read!

Although a major theme of The Gifts is storytelling, to me the story actually gets off to a slow, even confusing start. But the reader who sticks with it will not be disappointed! Four talented, determined, intelligent women, way ahead of their time, eventually team up in 1840s London to right a terrible wrong being perpetrated by a surgeon blinded by greed and fame. He discovers a woman with huge wings on her shoulders (a "fallen angel" perhaps) and sees only the acclaim and fortune that he will enjoy when he reveals her to the world. Character development is rich and the descriptions of nature throughout add much to the story. The ending is brilliantly constructed and immensely satisfying. The Gifts should be a big hit with book clubs. I absolutely loved it. Just have a little patience at the beginning!

I have to admit the opening left me a little uncertain if I'd like this book but am so glad I turned the page. I devoured it in about four days. The main story line was so imaginative with well rounded characters and included sub plots that helped you see more into the characters. The dialogue is very good for the period when others might make it sound silly. Terrific!

"The Gifts" by Liz Hyder is a captivating and enchanting tale that transports readers to a world brimming with magic and wonder. Hyder's beautifully crafted characters, led by the relatable protagonist Ren, embark on a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and self-discovery. The story weaves together themes of friendship, identity, and the transformative power of embracing one's true abilities. With its vivid imagery, rich storytelling, and a perfect blend of fantasy and adventure, "The Gifts" is a spellbinding read that will leave readers longing for more. Hyder's talent shines brightly in this imaginative and engaging novel.

I am usually leery of books that come from too many points of view and was therefore leery of this book. However I think the author did a great job in keeping the protagonists separated and involved in their own stories until the time to bring them all together.

You won't be able to put this book down. It has a number of things that I like in a book. It has short direct chapters that keep you turning pages. Magical realism, historically based in London, strong women and a good ending to name just a few of its attributes.

This is essentially the tale of four females struggling in a male dominated Victorian England to find their place in society. Great debut.

I really enjoyed the early parts of this novel: interesting characters and setting, paranormal/inexplicable goings-on that were nonetheless extremely believable in context, and a time period I generally enjoy. What I didn't personally find as appealing was the descent into depravity and cruelty of one of the characters, to the point where it was hard for me to finish the novel. It speaks to the quality of the writing that I did make it through, as I wanted to know what happened to the characters I did enjoy. As always, your mileage will likely vary, so if you feel drawn to the concept or time period it is certainly worth reading.

The Gifts by Liz Hyder is historical fiction with a dash of fantasy. The reader is transported to England during the nineteenth century, from countryside to city. Liz Hyder has done a wonderful job of researching this period, giving the reader a strong sense of place through the eyes of the characters and their settings. Within these pages the reader meets four women who are depicted with intelligence and strengths during a time when most would not be acknowledged. The beautiful prose of this unique story is both mysterious and haunting, keeping the reader engaged.

This novel was a pleasure to read with its captivating storytelling. I believe fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and stories of strong female characters would enjoy The Gifts. Book clubs members would find much to discuss with this novel.