Elise loves the farm that is her home. There is always tea in the silver teapot, gin and tonics are served on the veranda and her days are spent listening to stories of spirits and charms told by her nanny, Beauty.As a young white girl growing up in Zimbabwe, her life is idyllic.

However, this dream-world of her childhood cannot last. As Elise gets older, her eyes are opened to the complexities of adult life, both through the arrival of her step-father, and through her growing understanding of the tensions in Zimbabwean society. As the privileged existence of the white farmers begins to crumble into anarchy and farm invasions begin, Elise is forced to confront difficult choices and the ancient unforgiving ghosts of the past.

'Eames captures brilliantly the atmosphere of corroding trust... [her description] crackles with tension and authenticity...Eames is a young writer with talent' Guardian

'Against a shocking backdrop of recent historical events, Andrea Eames has used a fresh, candid voice to create an intimate, sensitive and moving debut novel' Metro

'Eames is a fluent and engaging writer and this debut novel signals real promise for her future' Independent

'A touching and assured debut... Eames is definitely one to watch' Scotsman