A brilliant debut historical novel from a talented writer who died last year. Set in London in 1859, it follows Dora Damage, whose bookbinder husband puts his business into huge debt, leaving her to pick up the pieces. For fans of "Fingersmith", "Girl With A Pearl Earring" and "The Alchemist's Daughter". 'Starling illuminates the period... with vertiginous introspection and consummate poise' Susanna Moore