Godchildren - by Nicholas Coleridge (Paperback)

About the Book

In this epic tale, the godchildren of a charismatic tycoon unite to confront secrets, betrayals, and lies. With his trademark blend of wicked satire and impeccable writing, Coleridge has created a gloriously jaw-dropping portrait of the British upper crust.

Book Synopsis

All the godchildren, looking back on that fateful dinner, remembered it in the same way: the vacant wooden throne at the head of the table, the huge array of wine glasses and water glasses that were always a feature of dining at any of Marcus' houses, the sense of expectation and dread that hung over them like a cloud of mustard gas.

In his magnificent island home overlooking the sea, the great tycoon Marcus Brand plays host to his six godchildren. But soon, secrets will be revealed that dramatically alter the tone of this holiday weekend, and all will have to confront a web of betrayals and lies spanning four decades...

Each from a different background, the godchildren grew up enthralled by their godfather: Charlie, fascinated by Marcus's wealth; Mary, whose life is blighted by tragedy; Jamie, feckless but utterly charming; Saffron, stunningly beautiful but unaware of her power over men; Abigail, insecure and gauche; and Stuart, who is torn between admiration and hatred for his capitalist godfather.

Godchildren is an epic tale; powerful, engrossing, and impossible to put down. With his trademark blend of wicked satire and impeccable writing, Coleridge has created gloriously jaw dropping portrait of the British upper crust.

Review Quotes

"[A] wickedly enjoyable novel about...class society being rapidly dismantled by global wealth..... Coleridge dissects the social mores... with the precision of Tom Wolfe." --The New Yorker

"[A] sweeping drama... illicit passions and activities come to startling life....Coleridge's latest family epic will hold readers spellbound." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Wickedly funny and flawless in the details, Coleridge's portrayal of the British upper class is irresistible from the first page to the last." --Tina Brown, author of The Diana Chronicles

"Nicholas Coleridge makes a witty and acerbic guide to this arcane, and largely secret, world." --Julian Fellowes, author of Snobs; Academy Award-wining writer of Gosford Park

"A keen observer of class, manners, and sexual frisson, Coleridge is a master of the social romp." --Graydon Carter, editor-in-chief, Vanity Fair

"Nicholas has perfect pitch on class and a miraculous eye on changing society." --Jilly Cooper, author of Class and Player

"[Coleridge] layers his prose with flawless detail, wit and affection for his ever-expanding cast of characters." --USA Today

"His most unputdownable novel yet. " --GQ

"[Coleridge's] draftsmanship is superb." --Kirkus Reviews

"A fast, funny, tinglingly pleasurable electric shock of a novel." --Daily Telegraph

"As hard to resist as very superior chocolate... Once started Godchildren is the sort of book that has to be consumed in a single sitting." --Sunday Telegraph

About the Author

Nicholas Coleridge is managing director of Condé Nast in Britain, the magazine publishing house that includes Vogue, Tatler, House & Garden and Vanity Fair. His bestselling novels have been published in twelve languages. He lives in England with his family.