England, 1979. Vincent, Lawrence and William are the last remaining residents of a secluded New Forest home, part of the government’s Sycamore Scheme. Every day, the triplets do their chores, play their games and take their medicine, under the watchful eyes of three mothers: Mother Morning, Mother Afternoon and Mother Night.
Their nightmares are recorded in The Book of Dreams.
Their lessons are taken from The Book of Knowledge.
And their sins are reported in The Book of Guilt.
All the boys want is to be sent to the Big House in Margate, where they imagine a life of sun, sea and fairground rides. But, as the government looks to shut down the Sycamore Homes, the triplets begin to question everything they have been told.
Gradually surrendering its dark secrets, The Book of Guilt is a profoundly unnerving exploration of belonging in a world where some lives are valued less than others.
Book Info: Print length: 397 pages. Publisher: John Murray. Publication Date: 15 May 2025
My Thoughts:
I’m not sure what attracted me to this story and to be honest I didn’t even realise it was a dystopian book, but I am so glad that I did read it.
The Book of Guilt is a slow burner and it does take a while for the reader to understand what is happening and who the various characters are. Set in the UK, the story centres around 13 year old triplet boys who live in Sycamore House. A children’s home which is run by 3 mothers who educate, medicate and record their dreams, behaviour and illnesses.
William, Vincent and Lawrence are the last remaining residents of the home situated in the New Forest as the other residents have all left after being sent to a big house in Margate which promises a life of fun, beach trips and and unlimited fairground rides.
However, all is not as it seems. The Government want to shut down the homes, The Minister of Loneliness has been tasked with getting the children rehomed and the triplets behaviour is spiralling out of control.
This would be an excellent book for book clubs as it generates many moral dilemmas, thought-provoking questions and uncomfortable discussions.
It is beautifully written and if you enjoyed Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro you will love this. 4 stars
Rating: 4 out of 5.
