Anne is a former patient from a women’s asylum trying to carve out a new life for herself in a world that doesn’t understand her. Newcomer Lawrence is desperate to develop his talent as a photographer and escape the restrictions of his puritanical upbringing. Ellis, an army surgeon, has lived through the trauma of one civil war and will do anything to avoid another bloodbath.

Each keeps company with the restless beasts of Paris’ Menagerie, where they meet, fight their demons, lose their hearts, and rebel in a city under siege.

A dazzling historical epic of love and survival, Stef Penney carries the reader captivated through war-torn Paris.

Praise for Stef Penney

‘One of the best storytellers we have’ The Scotsman

‘Penney works hard to fill her canvas with colour and conviction’ Sunday Times

‘[Her] prose is cinematic’ Independent

‘What has marked Penney out from the start is her ability to make her extensive historical research come alive’ Sunday Herald

A dazzling tale of romance and survival – Guardian on Under a Pole Star

A terrific and beautifully written yarn that will make readers yearn to travel and fall in love in a cold climate – The Times on Under a Pole Star

Penney works hard to fill her canvas with colour and conviction – Sunday Times on Under a Pole Star

Curl up with this stunningly evocative tale … as immersive as it it mesmerizing, this is a novel that you won’t ever forget – Heat on Under a Pole Star