The Consequence of Anna: Pulitzer Prize 2024 Nominee by Kate Birkin

“An intense and emotional read!” – Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child

Reminiscent of The Thorn Birds, The Light Between Oceans, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover – poignant, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

"SHAMED BE THE WOMAN WHO ALLOWETH SUCH A SIN!"

Set against the sprawling backdrop of 1930s Australia, Anna May Shahan is a wild child raised on a lush farm by the sea, always barefoot and playing in her neighbor’s secret garden. Her Aboriginal nanny teaches her the ways of the land, and she grows up to be a quirky, eccentric, and sweet woman. But she is not without her demons, as she struggles with bizarre behaviors and a haunting, dark side.

Soon after marriage, Anna inherits Sugar Alexandria, her family’s sheep station, and she and her Irish husband James lead a simple, hardworking life. That is until Anna’s beautiful widowed cousin Lottie returns from London after being absent for over a decade. Lottie confesses to Anna her heart’s greatest desire to have a child, and Anna, in fear of losing her beloved cousin again, seeks to grant her wish by means of her own husband. What happens next brings devastating consequences for them all . . .

A literary achievement and the most emotionally gripping book of the year, The Consequence of Anna is a complex historical family saga, intertwined with the haunting mystery of Anna’s mental illness and the secrets, lies, and revelations revealed through the hidden passions of Lottie and James. Layered with lush romance, obsessive love, the strong bond of female friendship, and the frightening effects of altruistic intentions gone wrong, this provocative and powerful allegory cuts through rules and boundaries and proves the old adage that no good deed goes unpunished!

Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Kate Morton, and Ellen Marie Wiseman.

Reader praise for this unforgettable tearjerker inspired by true events . . .

"Storytelling on an epic scale. I had to stop reading and let myself have a good cry more times than I care to admit. This story touched my heart and soul and I will never forget it."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Robin Price, Amazon

"Gruesome and yet beautiful at the same time... This book will devastate you, tear you down, then bring you back up for air... Such a masterpiece... It's been some time since I had a good hard cry. I needed it. Thank you."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BookLover, Goodreads

"Wow. Just wow... The most powerful novel I have ever read... It teaches you, it shocks you, it moves you... When done I cried so much it hurt. It will certainly change how you think of people who suffer with mental illness."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sherry, Goodreads

"Moody, brooding, haunting... Genius... Very well written and incredibly thought provoking. If you like To Kill A Mockingbird, The Piano, or The Light Between Oceans, you will love The Consequence of Anna."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ IrishGirl, Goodreads

"What a special book this is... An extraordinary tale about mental illness, obsession, envy and passionate love intertwined... Vivid, engrossing and inspiring. Highly recommend."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Avid Reader, Amazon

"A true masterpiece!... Brilliantly written and if you only read one book this year - make it this one!"
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Christine Cazeneuve, Goodreads

"So much sparkle! Such beautiful decadent prose... Rich with metaphors, creating shining gorgeous scenes... Dark, romantic and haunting... A must read."
– ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shelly Perner, Goodreads