The distant hours

How it reads

The distant hours is historical fiction (historical mystery, specifically), and its dominant mood is eerie. It's atmospheric and uncanny, with a sense that something is wrong. The pace is moderate — neither a page-turner nor a slow burn — so it holds up whether you read it in long sittings or short ones.

It's set in several locations, in the historical past, told across two timelines. Its central concerns are family, secrets and art and creativity. In weight it sits in the middle: substantial without being heavy going.

It stands alone, so there's nothing else you need to read first or after. The ending is bittersweet: it resolves, but at a price. It's a long book, and a real commitment. It's well known, the kind of book most keen readers have heard of.