The Dollmaker

''A terrifying lesson in US history – and a haunting tragedy'' GuardianGertie is the young mother of five children – uneducated determined strong. Her only ambition is to own her own small farm in the Kentucky hills where she lives to become self-sufficient and free.Whenever the struggle to live off the land eases her inarticulate imagination takes its freedom and flies. Because Gertie is also an artist a sculptor of wood and creator of beautiful handmade dolls.When the family is forced to move to industrial Detroit with its pre-fab houses appliances bought on credit and neighbours on every side life turns into an incomprehensible lonely nightmare. Gertie realises she must adapt to a life where land family and creativity are replaced by just one thing: the constant need for money. ‘A masterwork… A superb book of unforgettable strength and glowing richness’ New York Times WITH AN AFTERWORD BY JOYCE CAROL OATES