"A distinctive and engrossing tale"
- David Almond,
"It is full of thrills and kills … while not scrimping on plot and character. Caldecott writes with a breezy lyricism … The story of a divided Britain and the girls' mission to rebuild their family and survive in a country they barely recognise feels relevant and important"
- Alex O'Connell, The Times
"Bright and real as the midsummer sunlight, and as powerfully drawn as a sharp, short knife"
- Hilary McKay,
"I just loved The Short Knife. Beautifully written, lyrical and powerful – it’s a fascinating insight into dark and desperate times which I found utterly absorbing. Grim and gritty but ultimately uplifting – it’s a beautiful tribute to the courage and ingenuity of sisters"
- Tanya Landman,
"Set in the author’s native Wales during the dark days of the fifth century, Elen Caldecott’s The Short Knife is an energetic, edge-of-your-seat page-turner with present-day resonance ... The cinematic scene-setting, first person narrative, and succinct, magnetically lyrical style make for a thrilling experience that will hook the most reluctant of readers"
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