In 1847, everything in Ireland was falling apart—but sixteen-year-old Nell was falling in love. Carnegie Medal winner Sarah Crossan’s first historical novel-in-verse is a suspenseful and heartbreaking story of love, family, and the forces that can destroy us or bind us forever. For fans of Joy McCullough, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Ruta Sepetys.

“I hold my breath while reading Sarah Crossan’s books. Every word is filled with so much love, the book is practically throbbing. A beautiful, perfect, moving read.” —Cecelia Ahern, bestselling author of P. S. I Love You

It is 1846, Ireland is starving, and a poor Irish scullery maid falls in love with the British heir to the land. Can their romance stay hidden during the devastating famine? The potatoes are black, people are dying, and in the midst of it all, Nell must do everything she can to keep her family together and everyone she loves alive.

It is hard to tell a love story

and also the story of a people

being torn apart.

With her first historical novel-in-verse, Carnegie Medal–winning author Sarah Crossan has crafted a sweeping love story but also a family story, a class story, and the story of a particular moment in history that had a lasting impact on both Ireland and the United States. Nell’s story is suspenseful, heartbreaking, and utterly compelling, and will appeal to fans of Malinda Lo, Kip Wilson, and Ruta Sepetys.