The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor

THE COTTINGLEY SECRET 

by Hazel Gaynor 

1917… It was inexplicable, impossible, but it had to be true—didn’t it? When two young cousins, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright from Cottingley, England, claim to have photographed fairies at the bottom of the garden, their parents are astonished. But when one of the great novelists of the time, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, becomes convinced of the photographs’ authenticity, the girls become a national sensation, their discovery offering hope to those longing for something to believe in amid a world ravaged by war. Frances and Elsie will hide their secret for many decades. But Frances longs for the truth to be told.

One hundred years later… When Olivia Kavanagh finds an old manuscript in her late grandfather’s bookshop she becomes fascinated by the story it tells of two young girls who mystified the world. But it is the discovery of an old photograph that leads her to realize how the fairy girls’ lives intertwine with hers, connecting past to present, and blurring her understanding of what is real and what is imagined. As she begins to understand why a nation once believed in fairies, can Olivia find a way to believe in herself?

This is a delightful read. I'm familiar with the story of Frances and Elsie and their famous photographs of fairies and Gaynor's reimagining of the tale captures the magic and charm with touching detail.  I remember hearing about these girls when I was younger and I also dreamed of finding fairies at the bottom of my garden. It's a lovely story to retell and Gaynor does a great job of recreating the time, setting and events with authenticity and sensitivity. 

The second plot line compliments the storyline of Frances and Elsie effectively. Gaynor manages the two timelines well and as the story evolves, the connections between the two threads becomes clearer, leading towards a very satisfying conclusion. By adding in Olivia's story and the discovery of an old manuscript, Gaynor adds more depth, intrigue and emotional layers to story of the fairy photographers. It allows her to explore more universal issues which are mirrored in Olivia, Frances and Elsie's lives. The scenes featuring the two young girls staging their photographs a hundred years ago are well depicted, capturing their playfulness, imagination and creativity as well as revealing the dynamics between them and their relationships within their families. This is complimented by the contemporary storyline with Olivia as she searches to find more about herself and reach a better sense of who she is and what she wants. The two plot lines create a pleasing sense of balance and run very well alongside each other. 

This is also a story about wishes, magic, belief - and fairies. There are some lovely ideas, lovely images and lovely moments conveyed through Gaynor's thoughtful prose. It is a quick, enjoyable and easy read where the secrets from the past hold the answers to the present. If you are looking for something gentle with a sprinkling of fairy magic then this is it! 

The Cottingley Secret is published on the 25th January 2018 by Harper Collins.