Manilla Press, the literary imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has announced that actress Tuppence Middleton will narrate the audiobook version of Liz Hyder’s adult debut novel, The Gifts.
Tuppence Middleton recently wrapped shooting the lead role in the ITV series Our House, and stars as Rebecca in the feature film Lord of Misrule, and as Lucy in Downton Abbey: A New Era. Other credits include the award-winning films Mank and The Imitation Game; and television series Shadowplay, Downton Abbey, Sense8 for Netflix, The Current War, and the BBC series War and Peace.
On recording the audiobook Tuppence Middleton said: ‘I am so excited to bring The Gifts to audiobook listeners. It’s a brilliant, beguiling story that is beautifully written in a way that lends itself perfectly to audio. Gripping, ambitious and brimming with atmosphere – and with the most incredible female characters – I can’t wait to bring Liz Hyder’s luminous novel to life.’
Laura Makela, managing editor – audio at Bonnier Books UK, added: ‘We are thrilled to have Tuppence Middleton narrating The Gifts. In casting her we felt confident that her atmospheric voice and captivating delivery would lend themselves perfectly to this wonderful story and she most definitely does not disappoint. Her skill in voicing the multiple characters is utterly compelling and she effortlessly draws the listener into the heart of the narrative.’
The Gifts is the ‘astonishing’ debut adult novel from the lauded author of Bearmouth. A gripping and ambitious book told through five different perspectives and set against the luminous backdrop of nineteenth century London, it explores science, nature and religion, enlightenment, the role of women in society and the dark danger of ambition.
The ‘haunting, thrilling, wonderful’ The Gifts has already garnered much praise and attention, with a flurry of endorsements from authors including Stacey Halls, Jennifer Saint, Jackie Morris, Louise Hare, Sonia Velton, Katie Lowe, Polly Crosby and Kirsty Capes as well as reviews from Cosmopolitan and Platinum magazines.
The Gifts will be published in the UK and Ireland on 17th February 2022 in hardback, audio, and eBook.