The Beasts of Paris

In Paris 1870, three wandering souls find themselves in a city set to descend into war.

Anne is a former patient from a women's asylum trying to carve out a new life for herself in a world that doesn't understand her. Newcomer Lawrence is desperate to develop his talent as a photographer and escape the restrictions of his puritanical upbringing. Ellis, an army surgeon, has lived through the trauma of one civil war and will do anything to avoid another bloodbath.

Each keeps company with the restless beasts of Paris' Menagerie, where they meet, fight their demons, lose their hearts, and rebel in a city under siege.

A dazzling historical epic of love and survival, Stef Penney carries the reader captivated through war-torn Paris.

Praise for Stef Penney

'One of the best storytellers we have' The Scotsman

'Penney works hard to fill her canvas with colour and conviction' Sunday Times

'[Her] prose is cinematic' Independent

'What has marked Penney out from the start is her ability to make her extensive historical research come alive' Sunday Herald

“A dazzling tale of romance and survival - Guardian on Under a Pole StarA terrific and beautifully written yarn that will make readers yearn to travel and fall in love in a cold climate - The Times on Under a Pole StarPenney works hard to fill her canvas with colour and conviction - Sunday Times on Under a Pole StarCurl up with this stunningly evocative tale ... as immersive as it it mesmerizing , this is a novel that you won't ever forget - Heat on Under a Pole Star”

Hypnotically readable, suspenseful, romantic and humane, Stef Penney is a mesmerising storyteller AMANDA CRAIG, author of THE GOLDEN RULE
Enthralling , vivid and utterly original DAISY GOODWIN, author of The Fortune Hunter
Paris during the siege of 1870 and the Communard uprising are fabulous subjects and Stef Penney has triumphed . . . It's bold. It's beautifully written and totally absorbing ELIZABETH BUCHAN, author of TWO WOMEN IN ROME
Brilliantly evocative of Paris under siege . . . I knew almost nothing about this shocking slice of history and now I feel I've lived through it RACHEL BILLINGTON, author of WAR BABIES
An exquisite, relevant and immersive novel of humanity and beasts, self-discovery and survival set amid a Paris in flames ANNA MAZZOLA, author of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL
A beautifully written story of the best and worst of humanity, of the triumph of love and the human spirit over the degradation and devastation of war . . . the characters will stay with me a long time S. G. MACLEAN, author of THE BOOKSELLER OF INVERNESS
A thrilling novel . . . She follows the stories of both humans and animals with an eye for telling detail and a deep understanding of the human heart ADÈLE GERAS, author of DANGEROUS WOMEN
What a stunning read! I was immersed in this epic of love and daring . . . The historical background is wonderfully vivid and thrilling. Stef Penney is one of our most exceptional storytellers C. J. CAREY, author of QUEEN HIGH
A haunting and immersive novel that weaves together the lives of caged beasts and lost souls against a sweeping backdrop of war and revolution, love and loyalty. . . A tour de force V. B. GREY, author of SISTERHOOD

Stef Penney grew up in Edinburgh. She has degrees in Philosophy and Theology as well as Film and TV, and was selected for the Carlton Television New Writers Scheme. She has written screen and radio adaptations and directed two short films. She is the author of The Tenderness of Wolves, winner of the overall Costa Award; The Invisible Ones and Under a Pole Star, shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award. Stef lives in London.

In Paris 1870, three wandering souls find themselves in a city set to descend into war. Anne is a former patient from a women's asylum trying to carve out a new life for herself in a world that doesn't understand her. Newcomer Lawrence is desperate to develop his talent as a photographer and escape the restrictions of his puritanical upbringing. Ellis, an army surgeon, has lived through the trauma of one civil war and will do anything to avoid another bloodbath.Each keeps company with the restless beasts of Paris' Menagerie, where they meet, fight their demons, lose their hearts, and rebel in a city under siege. A dazzling historical epic of love and survival, Stef Penney carries the reader captivated through war-torn Paris. Praise for Stef Penney'One of the best storytellers we have' The Scotsman 'Penney works hard to fill her canvas with colour and conviction' Sunday Times '[Her] prose is cinematic' Independent 'What has marked Penney out from the start is her ability to make her extensive historical research come alive' Sunday Herald

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