The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley

Inventive, fantastical... memorable

[A] dashing, magical debut . . . intricately plotted, and peopled with intriguing characters and cunning clockwork

One of the best books I've read this year. Atmospheric, engaging, and elegantly written, this amazing tale of a clockmaker whose son possesses unusual talents is completely unforgettable.

Sunday Times bestselling author, Bonnie Garmus

An original coming-of-age tale... enjoyable and imaginative debut

Sunday Times (Historical Fiction Book of the Month)

I just fell in love with it within the first two sentences . . . When a book does that to you, when it really grabs you, it's just so powerful . . . this book is like the love child of Charles Dickens and Isabel Allende

Ruth Jones, Sunday Times bestselling author

Packed with intrigue, vividly drawn characters and heartstopping emotion, this beautifully written, ingeniously crafted debut is absolutely enthralling

Fans of eccentrically flavoured historical fiction with a touch of magic are in for a treat with this bustling Dickensian debut about a boy born with the ability to see into the minds of everyone he meets and which spans 18th-century Europe, from London to Constantinople.

Lusk is already an accomplished and award-winning short story writer, and it shows in the scope of his world-building, and the emotional depth of his characters . . . a novel that confidently plays with elements of magical realism and historical fantasy, offering the reader an enthralling journey and an enchanting protagonist.

An exhilarating magic carpet ride to 18th century Constantinople

Beautifully written, with brilliant characters and this very lush feel . . . really transports you to a different time and place.

The main thing that struck me was the beauty of the relationship between father and son . . . that was what pulled me in, I desperately wanted them to be reunited. It was heart-breaking

Jessie Cave, Sunday Times bestselling author

[A] transporting, beguiling historical mystery fans of Anna Mazzola will devour

Wild, bewitching and propulsive, Sean Lusk's drama of prophetic visions, exotic feats of engineering, transgressive desire and familial love is one of those novels that makes you rejoice that we are a storytelling species. The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley, peopled with vivid characters and sumptuously-imagined scenery is a triumph of the imagination, of language, and of generosity.

A superb debut...fans of magical realism will love this

An original and unique tale that blends historical fiction with magical realism and steampunk. Moreover, it features tragedy, humour, and adventure, amongst a Dickensian backdrop whilst remaining accessible to a large audience; there is something for everyone.

With a cast of colourful characters who are guaranteed to charm, this hugely entertaining book is full of imagination, adventure, wit and warmth.

Flavoured with characters of Dickensian brilliance...One taste, you'll be addicted.

A classic tale of adventure...chock full of brilliant characters, atmospheric descriptions and fascinating facts. The result is a joy to read

A superb historical novel... Sean Lusk has a bright future ahead of him.

A rich detailed and vibrant tale of a young man finding himself against the backdrop of 18th century London and Constantinople

Sean Lusk’s debut, The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley, was a BBC2 Between the Covers pick, a Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month, and longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize and the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award. He is also an award-winning short story writer, winner of the Manchester Fiction Prize and the Fish Short Story Prize. He has lived in Greece, Pakistan and Egypt and now lives in the Scottish Highlands. 
 
You can find him at www.seanlusk.com or on Twitter @seanlusk1

A BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick and Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month, for fans of PANDORA, THE ESSEX SERPENT and THE NIGHT CIRCUS. 
 
Longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2023 and the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award 2023. 
 
'I just fell in love with it within the first two sentences . . .' - Ruth Jones 
 
'One of the best books I've read this year . . . completely unforgettable' - Bonnie Garmus 
 
------ 
 
Zachary Cloudesley is gifted in a remarkable way. But not all gifts are a blessing... 
 
Leadenhall Street, London, 1754. 
 
Raised amongst the cogs and springs of his father's workshop, Zachary Cloudesley has grown up surrounded by strange and enchanting clockwork automata. He is a happy child, beloved by his father Abel and the workmen who help bring his father's creations to life. 
 
He is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets. 
 
But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened. 
 
A beautifully crafted historical mystery of love and hope, and the adventure of finding your place in the world. 
 
READ SEAN LUSK'S EXCITING NEW NOVEL, A WOMAN OF OPINION, OUT NOW! 
 
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'Packed with intrigue, vividly drawn characters and heartstopping emotion, this beautifully written, ingeniously crafted debut is absolutely enthralling' - Sunday Express 
 
'Really transports you to a different time and place' - Sara Cox, Radio Times 
 
'A dashing, magical debut . . . intricately plotted, and peopled with intriguing characters' - Daily Mail 
 
 
What readers are saying: 
'an excellent historical, magical realist novel' 
'beautifully written' 
'full of love and humour' 
'original and rich in historical detail' 
'my best book of 2022' 
'totally engrossing . . . unforgettable'

Sean Lusk

Lusk’s retelling of Mary’s story is by turns witty, insightful and moving

Lusk's narrative skilfully weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, offering readers a compelling story filled with emotional depth. You won’t forget Mary after reading this.

Exploring not only a fascinating period in world history but also the life of a strong-minded woman who refused to be silenced by society’s expectations, A Woman of Opinion is not only brilliantly written but enlightening too.

Sean Lusk's A Woman of Opinion centres on the real-life story of the Georgian aristocrat Mary Wortley Montagu &ndash; the most remarkable free spirit and brave adventuress whose beauty, passions and achievements led to fame ... and also scandal. With this, his second novel, Lusk proves himself a magician who conjures prose of a spell-binding elegance and charm - as charismatic as the woman who he brings so vividly into life upon the page.

Superb. Not only a very fine work of historical fiction, but also sure-footed and compassionate in terms of the world in which Lady Mary moved - not an easy place for a spirited, intelligent and questing woman. This book is a triumph - vivid, exquisite, enthralling and revealing.

With A Woman of Opinion, Sean Lusk has made the voice of Mary Wortley Montagu ring clear and defiant through the centuries. I feel she could seamlessly step from her own world into ours, being absolutely real in both. What an achievement. What a woman.

Shona MacLean, author of The Redemption of Alexander Seaton

A fascinating tale of an under-sung pioneer, I can understand why Sean felt so passionately that Mary's story needed to be shared! Told with vim and vigour, this is historical storytelling at its finest.

Victoria MacKenzie, author of For Thy Great Pain Have Mercy On My Little Pain

As elegantly brave as its heroine, A Woman of Opinion combines precise and elegant writing with a subtle understanding of the female mind and heart. Lady Mary Montagu defied the conventions of her age, not because she was a natural rebel, but because she could imagine no other way to live her life than on her own bold terms. Sean Lusk is to be admired for understanding this &ndash; and for presenting it so beautifully on the page.

A dazzling portrait of an unforgettable woman. Sean Lusk is a writer of rare insight, beauty and power.

What a book! A Woman of Opinion casts an absolute spell, with Sean Lusk&rsquo;s magical prose dazzling and delighting ... With acerbic humour and heartfelt pathos, Lusk shows how Lady Montagu&rsquo;s story &ndash; her championing of inoculation, support of women&rsquo;s voices and uncompromising self-belief in the face of establishment opposition &ndash; place this figure of the past firmly in the present. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu was a woman of opinion and one we would all benefit from listening to.

Loosen your stays, settle back and enjoy!

WINNER OF THE 2025 SALTIRE SCOTTISH FICTION OF THE YEAR 
from the bestselling author of The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley 
 
'A triumph - vivid, exquisite, enthralling' Kate Griffin, author of Fyneshade 
 
'Lusk conjures prose of a spell-binding elegance and charm' Essie Fox, author of The Fascination 
 
‘Witty, insightful and moving’ Sunday Times 
 
--- 
 
'I shall be a thousand different Marys and, in such manner, shall find the one I wish to be...' 
 
Mary longs for adventure, freedom and love. When her powerful father schemes to marry her off to a foolish aristocrat, she has to find a man who will offer her the independence she craves Never one to fear a scandal, she elopes with Edward Wortley Montagu. 
 
Mary uses her charm and connections to live a life less ordinary – befriending poets, playwrights, and politicians. Securing a position for her husband as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, she travels east, where she discovers a medical miracle. 
 
But this new adventure will come at a cost, for Mary’s inability to abide by the rules and her outspoken opinions have gained her powerful enemies… 
 
‘Skilfully weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness…you won’t forget Mary after reading this’ Glamour 
 
‘Exploring not only a fascinating period in world history but also the life of a strong-minded woman who refused to be silenced by society’s expectations’ Culturefly 
 
‘Sean Lusk has made the voice of Mary Wortley Montagu ring clear and defiant through the centuries’ Shona MacLean 
 
--- 
 
Readers say: 
 
'A five star read and one of my favourite books of the year' 
 
'This book will take you on a journey with Lady Montagu, a clever, witty, humorous woman...A wonderful emotional story told with charm and warmth.' 
 
'Exquisite...rich in language, character and setting.' 
 
'Fearless, witty, and inspiring...both highly entertaining and incredibly educational.' 
 
'Superb...if you are a lover of historical fiction then this is a must read... one of my top reads of the year.' 
 
'Truly exceptional, a book to savour – I loved it!'

Sean Lusk

Praise for A Woman of Opinion

Lusk’s retelling of Mary’s story is by turns witty, insightful and moving

Lusk's narrative skilfully weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, offering readers a compelling story filled with emotional depth. You won’t forget Mary after reading t ...

Exploring not only a fascinating period in world history but also the life of a strong-minded woman who refused to be silenced by society’s expectations, A Woman of Opinion is not only brilliantly written but ...

Lusk’s retelling of Mary’s story is by turns witty, insightful and moving

Lusk's narrative skilfully weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, offering readers a compelling story filled with emotional depth. You won’t forget Mary after reading t ...

Exploring not only a fascinating period in world history but also the life of a strong-minded woman who refused to be silenced by society’s expectations, A Woman of Opinion is not only brilliantly written but ...

Lusk’s retelling of Mary’s story is by turns witty, insightful and moving

Lusk's narrative skilfully weaves together themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness, offering readers a compelling story filled with emotional depth. You won’t forget Mary after reading t ...

Exploring not only a fascinating period in world history but also the life of a strong-minded woman who refused to be silenced by society’s expectations, A Woman of Opinion is not only brilliantly written but ...

Books by Sean Lusk

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