Jar Baby

by Hayley Webster

Diana Rickwood’s isolated childhood by the sea with her uncle, Rohan, a celebrated fashion designer, is dramatically shaken up by the arrival of Rohan’s ‘muse’, model Stella Avery. Diana severs her links with her past and moves to London, trying her best to forget. But ten years on, Rohan’s sudden death forces her to look again at that past, to dig beneath the surface. What she finds is shocking: a web of secrets and half truths that hide a family shame – but also reveal a poignant hidden love story.

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Helen McClory]

4 1/2 stars - this is a book that I devoured in a late night gulp and then had trouble sleeping after. It's a fast paced book, but still manages to be very well written, full of lyrical parts. It reminded me of early Kate Atkinson, and also of Jonathan Coe's The House of Sleep - one of those books that you do read quickly, then remember again years later at the oddest times, like a strange scent hitting you through an open window.

This book is unjustly less well known than it should be.

[Laura]

Devastating, and with prose so beautiful you’ll wish you could fall inside it, I know no better compliment than to say I let my tea go cold twice reading this stunning story.

[Fondantsurprise]

It’s late because I’ve stayed up to finish this book and now I’m too tired to say anything much coherent. It’s excellent, really and truly. The writing is exquisite and I really cared about Diana too.

Though, content warning for CSA and late stage miscarriage.

Can’t wait until her Christmas book comes out.

[Annie Bradley]

Beautiful prose…thoroughly recommend.

[Jane]

Jar Baby is a mesmerising book, recommended years ago to me by a family member of the author, it's a dark tale of deception and ruthless selfishness, seen through the eyes of the young protagonist, Diana, with vivid detailing of her family past (most unknown to her). Complete with seaside home, a celebrity uncle, his muse and girlfriend and creepy driver, Drake, it all adds to a book you can't put down. Without revealing the ending, you are taken through layers of the family past, as Diana works out the significance of the titular jar baby. Had to read this story again on holiday to capture the essence of innocence on Diana's part and the lies she unravels. The writing is beautiful with evocative description. Highly recommended.

[S.E.]

A true fairy tale. Dark and disturbing, with lurking horrors aplenty. This multi-layered novel is as complusive as it is beautiful. A must read.