Picture a British storyteller who spun a haunting tale of family secrets and childhood wonder—meet Polly Crosby! From her roots on the windswept Suffolk coast to her cozy home in Norfolk, Crosby has captivated readers with her evocative literary fiction. Her debut novel, The Book of Hidden Wonders, is a mesmerizing blend of magic and mystery that’s left fans eager for more.
With a knack for crafting stories that feel both nostalgic and otherworldly, Crosby’s work invites readers into lush, gothic worlds where the past whispers through every page. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this rising star in contemporary literature.
The Making of Polly Crosby
Polly Crosby grew up on the Suffolk coast, where the salty air and rugged cliffs shaped her imagination. Surrounded by nature’s drama, she developed a deep love for storytelling, inspired by the untamed landscapes that later colored her novels. After moving to the heart of Norfolk with her husband, son, and a menagerie of pets—including a loud Oriental cat named Dali—she began her writing journey in earnest.
Crosby’s big break came in 2018 when she won the Curtis Brown Creative’s Yesterday Scholarship, giving her the time and support to complete her debut. She also earned the Annabel Abbs Scholarship at the University of East Anglia, where she honed her craft through an MA in Creative Writing. These milestones marked the start of a career that’s as enchanting as her stories.
Polly Crosby’s Unforgettable Stories
Crosby’s debut, The Book of Hidden Wonders (also published as The Illustrated Child), is a heart-wrenching yet magical tale. It follows Romilly Kemp, a young girl immortalized in her father’s children’s books, who uncovers family secrets through a treasure hunt hidden in his illustrations. Critics praised its vivid imagery and emotional depth, calling it a “tender nightmare” that blends nostalgia with dark-edged fantasy.
Her second novel, The Women of Pearl Island, explores family legacies on a secluded island, weaving dual timelines with Crosby’s signature atmospheric prose. Vita and the Birds, her third work, delves into gothic historical mysteries, while her young adult novel, This Tale is Forbidden, offers a dystopian fairytale with echoes of Grimm and The Handmaid’s Tale. Crosby’s style—rich, sensory, and layered with mystery—makes each book a journey through love, loss, and discovery.
Whether she’s writing for adults or younger readers, Crosby’s stories pulse with themes of family, nature, and the search for truth. Her ability to craft quirky, emotionally resonant narratives has earned her a devoted following and comparisons to literary greats.
Why Polly Crosby Matters
Polly Crosby’s impact lies in her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Her novels resonate with readers who crave stories that balance beauty with heartbreak, offering a lens on human connection and resilience. By setting her tales in the evocative landscapes of Suffolk and Norfolk, she’s put the British countryside on the literary map, inviting readers to see its magic through her eyes.
As a scholarship winner and a voice in both adult and YA fiction, Crosby inspires aspiring writers, proving that persistence and passion can turn dreams into reality. Her growing body of work promises to shape contemporary literature for years to come, making her a name to watch.
- Born: Suffolk coast, England
- Key Works: The Book of Hidden Wonders, The Women of Pearl Island, Vita and the Birds, This Tale is Forbidden
- Awards: Curtis Brown Creative’s Yesterday Scholarship, Annabel Abbs Scholarship, Bridport Prize runner-up
- Fun Fact: Her cat, Dali, inspired a feline character in her debut novel!
Ready to lose yourself in a world of wonder? Snag The Book of Hidden Wonders and dive into Polly Crosby’s spellbinding literary fiction!