The Vet's Daughter

By Barbara Comyns,

Book cover of The Vet's Daughter

Book description

INTRODUCED BY JANE GARDAM

'A small Gothic masterpiece . . . I have read it many times, and with every re-read I marvel again at its many qualities' SARAH WATERS

'It projects its fantastic story with a tangible realness . . . A wonderful and original novel' ALAN HOLLINGHURST

'She…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Vet's Daughter as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I’ve never read anything quite like The Vet’s Daughter. First published in 1959, this Gothic novel—set half a century before, in Edwardian London—has both period character and a decidedly modern feel.

Its heroine, Alice Rowlands, endures a bleak existence in the home of her diabolical veterinarian father, who fills their house with animals and treats his family with such vicious contempt that I was hoping the tables would turn on him from the very start of the book. And turn they do, in a very unexpected way that sends the story veering into fantastical territory.

I won’t say more…

Want books like The Vet's Daughter?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Vet's Daughter.

Browse books like The Vet's Daughter

Book cover of The Bone Season
Book cover of A Matter of Magic
Book cover of The Crimson Petal and the White

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,190

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in London, dysfunctional families, and occult?

London 862 books
Occult 88 books