Deep Secret by Berlie Doherty

Deep Secret by Berlie Doherty

By Berlie Doherty (author)

"Beautifully written story of love, loss and recovery "

Paperback Not Available

View All Editions (2)

Twice winner of the Carnegie Medal, Berlie Doherty is one of our finest writers for young people and Deep Secret is a beautifully told story of people, place, changing times and lasting memories. At its heart are two young girls, identical twins Grace and Madeleine, but it’s just as much the story of their community, the people of a small Derbyshire village.

It’s 1945, a time of change for the whole country but particularly for the characters in the book: the valley in which they live is to be flooded for a reservoir and they must all leave their homes. Even before the waters arrive, stories float to the surface and we learn so much about the people of the valley and their history.

It’s a wonderfully touching description of a lost way of life, and when a tragic event occurs drama and pain follows before finally acceptance and understanding. This is the kind of story that resonates with readers long after the final page, and highly recommended.

Grace put out her hand, almost touching the mirror. Her image did the same. 'There's another world in there.' 'We could float in and out of it.' Deep in a Derbyshire valley live two girls, twins, so alike that even their family can't tell them apart.

Read the full description

But tragedy is waiting. When the valley is sold to be flooded for a huge dam, the villagers are forced to leave their homes. Deep secrets are uncovered.

New characters enter their lives and desires, love and grief come to the surface.

We should treasure writers like Berlie Doherty who are incapable of writing a mediocre sentence - Sunday Telegraph

Berlie Doherty has a magic in her . . . she uses words as if language had just been invented - TES

Berlie Doherty is a superb writer - Scotsman

[Berlie Doherty's] graceful, lyrical prose just floats from the page and you lose yourself in the worlds she creates -- Jill Murphy - The Bookbag

An enchanting and irresistible read. Berlie Doherty manages to tell a story that delicately depicts themes of youth, change and conflict but also love and loss all in one fascinating story. - Bristol Evening Post

Berlie Doherty is the author of the best-selling novel, Street Child , and over 60 more books for children, teenagers and adults, and has written many plays for radio, theatre and television. She has been translated into over twenty languages and has won many awards, including the Carnegie Medal for both Granny Was a Buffer Girl and Dear Nobody , and the Writers’ Guild Award for both Daughter of the Sea and the theatre version of Dear Nobody .

She has three children and seven grandchildren, and lives in the Derbyshire Peak District.

the best books for teenagers

The Library of Lost Stories

Max and Ella, Stuck Together

Five Children on the Western Front

The Barren Grounds The Misewa Saga, Book One

The Island at the End of Everything

Kiran Millwood Hargrave

This is a tragic tale which is beautifully written. The cover is mesmerising, it’s just as beautiful as the actual story. The story had this almost enchanted feel about it. Everything about it was magical and when I was reading it I felt as if I was in another world. This book is perfect if you want to have a break from reality for a little while but be warned it’s extremely hard to put this book down once you pick it up. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone

This is a beautifully written and tragic story that I was happy to get lost in. The cover is mesmerising, it’s just as beautiful as the actual story. I loved seeing Madeline’s world. The descriptions were so amazingly written in this story that I could picture their little village so clearly I felt the pain Madeline was going through, the grief of Grace's family and the joy. The story had this almost enchanted feel about it. Everything about it was magical and when I was reading it I felt as if I was in another world. This story idea was very original and I’ve never read anything like it which was probably why it was so magical for me. I wish more books were as magical as this one.... Read Full Review

This book was enchanting and very interesting. I went on an unforgettable journey with compelling characters.

This book was enchanting and very interesting. It tells the story of a town and its residents, mainly two twins. Based on a true story, it explores themes of home and identity in a deeply meaningful way. The language is beautiful and it weaves together a rich narrative with a collection of compelling characters you will get invested in.... Read Full Review

Deep Secret, in my opinion, was a great book. I thought the descriptions of the scenes and people were very exact and they made me imagine a very clear picture in my head and as the book went on it got clearer and more detailed.

Deep Secret , in my opinion, was a great book. I thought the descriptions of the scenes and people were very exact and they made me imagine a very clear picture in my head and as the book went on it got clearer and more detailed.

I would suggest this book to someone who likes just stories that have a mixture of different genres including action, fiction and sad.... Read Full Review

Grace put out her hand, almost touching the mirror. Her image did the same.

The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Deep Secret and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old

Deep Secret features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Recommendations, Historical Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, PSHE: Family Issues, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 11+ readers

Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. Not Available.

Deep Secret was written by Berlie Doherty and published by Andersen Press Ltd

Deep Secret has 252 pages

£8.09, reduced from £8.99. Not Available.

©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.