Fablehouse

I heard Emma Norry speak about ‘Fablehouse’ at this year’s FCBG Conference as part of the ‘Fantastical and Magical’ panel. She -and fellow panelists, Anna Goodall and Nicki Thornton- talked about the inspiration for their writing, settings and characters in a fascinating session. I was particularly interested in the setting Emma chose for ‘Fablehouse’ as I have stayed in a National Trust cottage on the Holnicote Estate just round the corner from the main house, but was completely unaware of its having been requisitioned in 1943 by Somerset County Council and used to house mixed-race GI babies.

Heather has just arrived at Fablehouse, an orphanage hidden in Somerset, home for the forgotten ‘Brown Babies’ of post-war Britain. Whilst exploring the surrounding countryside, Heather finds a mysterious cairn which draws her. Here she meets Palamedies, the Black Knight from Arthurian tales, who has been guarding the doorway between worlds. But when Fablehouse children start acting strangely, Heather and her new friends, Lloyd, Nat and Arlene, must battle to save their new home.

‘Fablehouse’ draws on the legends of King Arthur, folklore and history to create a captivating read. I finished it in one sitting, unwilling to leave the fiercely loyal, brave band of children on their quest. The inclusion of Palamedes may well introduce readers to a new thread of the Arthurian legends which are not a widely known as the stories including Lancelot, Gawain, Galahad or Tristan.

The story is beautifully told on many levels. Emma has skilfully intertwined historical facts with legend and folklore to create a compelling tale of identity, finding your place in the world. love, friendship, hope and acceptance. The ‘hidden history’ of the children represented in the book by Heather and her friends is deeply poignant, and the book is an important step towards recognising and sharing their story. Nat’s reaction to meeting Pal (Palamedes) is as heart-breaking as the knight’s response is heart-warming- I shed more than a few tears at this point. I am sure the story will resonate with many as the longing to belong, to be accepted, to be seen is universal and captured so sensitively in these pages.

I am delighted to discover that a Fablehouse 2 is promised as the Roamers- Heather, Lloyd, Nat and Arlene- are such wonderful characters that it was hard to leave them behind when the story ended. ‘Fablehouse’ would make an excellent class story or guided reading text with plenty to enjoy, discuss and explore. Don’t miss it!

Fablehouse E L Norry

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526649539

Out on the 8th June 2023