'The medieval walled city of Lincoln comes alive again in this astonishingly immersive novel. As readers, we walk the streets, smell the market, sense the sneering whispers and hear the stones speak. The sensuous story of Asher and Eleanor's love, forbidden by laws separating Jews and Christians, carries Cadwallader's reach of history like a laser. A thrilling read'
- Biff Ward, author of The Third Chopstick

'A heartbreakingly timeless tale, richly imagined and wondrously alive; every sentence yearns for a better way for humans to be together. No one writes with compassion and empathy quite like Robyn Cadwallader, and few can match her ability to move readers to their core. Unforgettable'
- Nigel Featherstone, author of My Heart Is a Little Wild Thing

'Luminous, lyrical and deeply moving, Cadwallader's writing fills the senses and sings with detail and authenticity. A compelling story of love, resilience and hope in the face of oppression and racism, alive with imagery. I loved this book'
- Karen Viggers, author of The Orchardist's Daughter

'A remarkable, profound story ... Cadwallader recreates the medieval world with the rigour of a scholar and the intensity and emotion of a poet. I deliberately read this novel slowly, to savour it, and I know I won't forget it'
- Lee Kofman, author of The Writer Laid Bare

'The Fire and the Rose brings the divided medieval city of Lincoln to life in wonderful detail. A tale of prejudice, violence and exile but also of love, illustrating the power of words, language and story to shape our lives'
- Inga Simpson, author of Willowman