The Shell House

The Shell House of the title is Graveney Hall, a beautiful home that burned down during the First World War. It links the stories of Greg, who is photographing the hall for his ‘A’ level project, and Edmund, the Graveney family’s last heir, who disappeared mysteriously in 1917.

Greg feels increasingly guilty about rejecting the tentative advances of his male friend Jordan, and is concerned that an argument with his friend Faith has caused her to lose her Christian belief.

Edmund’s story is also overshadowed by his homosexuality, and religious intolerance. This is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel.