This gripping Gothic story opens with Emmet Farmer toiling with both work and a mystery illness. There is clearly something about Emmet – I as a reader wanted to uncover – and his parents are not giving anything away. It soon becomes clear that books are treated with caution and fear. Emmet reluctantly goes into an apprenticeship with the mysterious Bookbinder. There was not a moment when I was not fully immersed in each and every scene. Bridget’s visual and sensory descriptions are added to by her details of what Emmet is thinking, feeling, seeing, and absorbing. The descriptions of the Bindery are exquisite and each detail opened up more questions for me. I could tell that the author had gone to great lengths to research the craft of book-binding. I wanted to be there in the workshop, and in my mind’s eye, I was there in the weather-torn marshes. Seredith (the Bookbinder) teaches Emmet her craft and allows him to become what he must become, and that is one of the book’s valuable themes. This is achieved through subtle and lovely writing. Tragedy is conveyed with great effect and I was kept asking questions as all went wrong for Emmet. Like a great novel, the answers given were not those I imagined. The characters’ that Emmet meets along the way are purposeful, well-rounded, and riddled with curiosity. As the story moves on, the mystery of The Binding continues. I have to applaud the device Bridget has employed with the books and their purpose, and I won’t say any more than that, lest I give anything away! The three-fold structure of the book is brilliant! We start with the set-up questions, then the mystery of life before, and then the well-worked present day. Bridget has written a parable for today and tomorrow and I am sure, some of our yesterdays. Themes of love and relationships, abuse, prejudice, fundamentalism, and discrimination are carefully written and explored. And in all of this the author, to great effect, weaves one part of the story seamlessly into the next. This is a book to keep the mind active. The Binding deserves the recognition I am sure it will receive. The difference between a book and a novel as detailed in the story is superb and asks many questions for me as a writer as it does for those who are keen to get out a badly-written novel without any thought of being good to their reader. Bridget Collins has a passion for books and that passion binds this book.

I absolutely inhaled this book over several sittings. It's one you'll willingly sacrifice sleep to finish. I would describe it as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets fantasy Victorian England, all within the pages and about the pages of gorgeously bound books. Truly one to pick up when you need an all-absorbing read.

This is one of the best books I have read in quite some time, maybe even ever (and I have read a lot of books!). I fell head over boots in love with the characters, and I genuinely miss them now that it's over. I have a feeling I'll be in mourning for the rest of the week. Bridget Collins writes so elegantly and, as cliche as it is, you really feel as if you are there experiencing it yourself. Whilst being set in a fantasy world, it feels so familiar that it's almost creepy, which at times this book can feel. The storyline is so unique, and It deals with themes that run deep in all of us - how it feels to be betrayed, how cruel the world can be, and, most of all, how magical and scary true love is! I will never forget this book. I can't wait for Collins' next one!

I first heard of this novel when attending a Q and A with the author, and as a result added the book to my 'To Buy' list but never got round to it. 9 month later, I was lucky enough to get a proof copy and I can't believe I waited so long! The story is completely unique, with the premise being something you can take comfort in. A mesmerising tale bound in a gorgeous book.

This book absolutely absorbed me. The direction of the plot was not what I expected, but I loved it nonetheless. I enjoyed how the book was split into 3 different parts and getting to experience more than one character's point of view.