Picture a British storyteller who spins worlds where words are dangerous and girls unravel curses—meet Frances Hardinge! Born in 1973 in Brighton, England, Hardinge is a celebrated author of young adult and children’s fantasy, known for her dazzling imagination and whip-smart heroines. Her debut, Fly by Night, snagged the 2006 Branford Boase Award, and her 2015 novel, The Lie Tree, made history as a Costa Book of the Year winner, cementing her as a luminary in modern literature.
With a knack for blending dark humor, historical settings, and fantastical twists, Hardinge’s stories captivate readers of all ages. Her quirky charm—think black hats and a love for old-fashioned clothing—mirrors the eccentricity of her tales. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this literary trailblazer.
The Making of Frances Hardinge
Growing up in a gothic, mouse-infested house in rural Kent, Hardinge was a bookish dreamer, penning dark tales by age six. Her childhood, steeped in Victorian novels and Hitchcock’s suspense, shaped her love for intricate plots. She studied English at Oxford’s Somerville College, where she founded a writers’ workshop, honing her craft. After a stint as a technical author, a friend’s nudge led her to submit Fly by Night to Macmillan, launching her career with a bang.
Frances Hardinge’s Unforgettable Stories
Hardinge’s novels are a kaleidoscope of genres—fantasy, historical fiction, and mystery—woven with sharp wit and bold themes like identity and the power of knowledge. Fly by Night (2005) introduces Mosca Mye, a runaway in a reimagined 18th-century England where reading is a privilege. Its sequel, Twilight Robbery (2011), amps up the comedy and chaos. The Lie Tree (2015), a Victorian mystery, follows Faith Sunderly as she uncovers a truth-revealing tree, earning accolades for its psychological depth.
A Face Like Glass (2012) whisks readers to Caverna, an underground city where expressions are crafted, and Neverfell’s natural emotions spark revolution. Unraveller (2022) explores a world of curses, with Kellen undoing magical harms. Hardinge’s style—rich, unpredictable, and layered with puns—makes every book a thrilling ride, often tackling complex moral issues with a light touch.
Why Frances Hardinge Matters
Hardinge’s impact on young adult literature is profound, earning comparisons to Diana Wynne Jones for her inventive worlds. Her stories empower young readers, especially girls, to question authority and embrace their curiosity. Awards like the Costa Book of the Year and her fellowship in the Royal Society of Literature highlight her influence. By blending dark themes with humor, she makes big ideas accessible, inspiring a new generation of storytellers.
Her books transcend age, drawing adult fans with their sophistication. Hardinge’s ability to conjure unique settings—from volcanic islands to cursed marshes—keeps her at the forefront of fantasy, with each novel a fresh adventure.
About Frances Hardinge
- Born: 1973, Brighton, England
- Key Works: Fly by Night, The Lie Tree, A Face Like Glass, Unraveller
- Awards: 2006 Branford Boase Award, 2015 Costa Book of the Year
- Fun Fact: She’s rarely seen without her signature black hat!
Ready for a literary escape? Grab The Lie Tree and plunge into Frances Hardinge’s spellbinding world of mystery and magic!