Rozie Kelly’s debut novel, shortlisted for this year’s Women’s prize for fiction, tells the story of an unusual relationship between two writers. Narrated by an unnamed man who works as a creative writing academic, the plot follows his infatuation with an Irish woman, 17 years his senior, whom he calls “the poet.” She is a celebrated author, and they begin meeting for lunch on a bench by a river, where they talk and watch the wildlife—she specializes in stories about birds. He observes how this woman “smells like jasmine. No, not exactly. She smelled like the earth beneath a jasmine pot on a hot day.”
A Complex Dynamic of Attraction and Ambition
The protagonist pursues the poet despite being in a long-term relationship with Michael, a gym owner with whom he shares little in common. His early thoughts about her are wilfully crude, and he longs to achieve the success she has attained. He reflects: “She was in high demand. I was a beggar. I knew she had a purse full of gold, if only I could get close enough to cut the strings.” Their relationship deepens when she is diagnosed with breast cancer, and he takes on caring duties. His willingness to care for her surprises him, contrasting sharply with his dealings with his ailing mother, Hetty, who has long disapproved of his homosexuality.
Sensitive Narration by Dan Bottomley
Dan Bottomley narrates the audiobook, deftly guiding listeners through Kelly’s smart reflections on love, desire, and power. Kingfisher offers a fresh perspective on age-gap relationships and explores the long-term damage a parent can inflict on a child. The audiobook is available via WF Howes, with a runtime of 6 hours and 1 minute.
Further Listening Recommendations
- Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory, narrated by Gemma Whelan (HarperCollins, 19hr 29min): A gripping story of Anne Boleyn’s sister-in-law Jane, an aristocrat who served five queens in the Tudor court, leading to accusations of treason.
- We Did OK, Kid by Anthony Hopkins, read by Kenneth Branagh (Simon & Schuster, 9hr 5min): The Welsh actor’s unvarnished memoir, recounting his career, struggles with anxiety and alcoholism, estrangement from his daughter, and discomfort with fame.
