NIGHT VIOLETS

A gothic novel for children (12-15) where The Secret Garden meets Jane Eyre

It is the autumn of 1710, and the plague is spreading its black wings across Stockholm. The church bells are ringing constantly for the dead. Bodies litter the narrow streets.

Fifteen year-old Magdalena has grown up in rich, happy family. But not even the most privileged homes in the city are safe from the disease, that some say is a punishment from God. When Magdalena’s mother dies, she and her little sister Ebba are sent away to their aunt while their father stays in Stockholm.

Without her parents, Magdalena is forced to grow up quickly as she takes care of her sister. They arrive at Black Pond castle, where they meet their mother’s sister for the first time. Aunt Katarina is fanatically religious, cold and judgmental.

The castle is severly understaffed. Beautiful, but slowly falling apart. The rooms are
full of secrets. Why does Katarina hate Magdalena’s mother so much? Why is Magdalena not allowed, under any circumstances, to meet Katarina’s stepson Axel? Who is the terrifying priest that has aunt Katarina in the palm of his hand? And why does the elm tree behind the church never lose its blood-red leaves?

All will be revealed, as autumn moves into winter. A love story develops between Magdalena and Axel. They can only bloom at night, hidden from sight. But the final piece of the puzzle arrives together with a doll, sent from Stockholm to Magdalena’s little sister …

NIGHT VIOLETS is a beautiful, eerie story about dark family secrets and forbidden love, and ghosts and memories that haunt us.