Longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize 'A compelling creepy tale' The Independent ‘A
chilling exploration of power love and grief' Julia Armfield author of Our Wives Under the
Sea 'I am in awe of this wonderful book' Edward Carey author of Little Wilhelm von Tore is
dying. As he looks back on his life he reflects on his upbringing in Dresden his beloved
grandmother and his medical career during the second world war. But mostly he remembers his
darling Luci the great love of his life his dark-haired beauty promised to him in a dream
years before they met. Though only together for a few months in her first life their love is
written in the stars. Using scientific research compiled over decades Wilhelm ensures that
for him and his beloved death is only the beginning. But through the cracks in Wilhem’s story
there is another voice that of Gabriela and she will not let this version of events go
unchallenged. She tells the story of her sister Luciana fearless and full of life and the
madman who robbed her from her grave. Based on a chilling true story Orpheus Builds a Girl is
the debut novel from award-winning author Heather Parry.
