Mere with Danielle Giles in Conversation

One to Watch Series

We want to shout about the exciting new literary voices, with their debut novels we've absolutely loved this year.

Join us in conversation with Danielle Giles on her debut novel, Mere.

The Darkly Atmospheric Historical Fiction Debut of 2025

Norfolk, 990 AD. Deep in the Fens, isolated by a vast and treacherous mere, an order of holy sisters make their home.

Under the steely guidance of Abbess Sigeburg they follow God’s path, looking to their infirmarian, Hilda, to provide what comfort and cures she can. But when the mere takes a young servant boy, Sigeburg’s grip falters and Hilda quickly realizes this place holds secrets darker and more unholy than she can fathom. Then proud Sister Wulfrun, a recent arrival to the convent, has a vision: a curse is upon them and change must be brought.

Is she saint or serpent? To Hilda, Wulfrun is a signal bolder and brighter than any fire set – one she cannot help but follow . . .

About the Author

Danielle Giles is a writer and researcher based in Bristol. She hasbeen published in Extra Teeth and Dear Damsels, shortlisted for theBristol Short Story Prize and the Brick Lane Bookshop Short StoryPrize, and longlisted for the Galley Beggar Press Short Story Prize.She won the Local Prize in the 2023 Bath Short Story Award. MERE isher first novel; a second historical gothic is currently in the works.