Holly Ringland, the acclaimed author known for her poignant storytelling, is set to release her latest novel, *The World Beneath Her Feet*, on 9 March 2027. This new book, which will be published by Anansi International, features an intriguing narrative that intertwines personal reflection with the beauty of both Australia and the UK.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/the-world-beneath-her-feet-2-082526-5e8781c8ecb34fdc9edde76149724130.jpg)
The story centres on Maggie Byrd, a dedicated employee at London’s Natural History Museum. Living a seemingly content life with her partner Joe and her close friend Harriet, Maggie is confronted with a buried secret from her past that stems from her life in Australia. When she unexpectedly inherits land in Queensland from her late uncle, Maggie finds herself on a journey that forces her to confront her past decisions and the reasons behind her relocation to England.
In a recent interview, Ringland shared her excitement about the upcoming release, stating, “I can’t wait for my North American readers to travel with Maggie from London’s Natural History Museum into a wild Australian valley.” The author expressed her hope that readers would find a connection with Maggie’s journey, reflecting on personal growth and the inevitable nostalgia that accompanies revisiting one’s roots.
Ringland describes *The World Beneath Her Feet* as her most personal work to date. The rich landscapes of southeast Queensland, where she spent her formative years, juxtaposed with her experiences living in northern England during her twenties and thirties, inspired the novel. Ringland previously penned the bestselling *The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart*, which was adapted into a Prime Video series, showcasing her ability to intertwine her life experiences with her fiction.
Maggie’s narrative touches upon themes that many readers may resonate with, particularly the complexities of love and memory. The author articulates this beautifully: “In my new book, Maggie Byrd faces a question we all carry: what becomes of our first loves, 20 years later, after we’ve moved away, moved on and become people our younger selves might barely recognise?” This introspective inquiry adds depth to Maggie’s character, encouraging readers to contemplate their own past choices and relationships.
The novel further explores the magical elements of Australian landscapes, describing settings where “fossils turn to opal” and “magpies sing above a volcanic lake steeped in folklore.” Such vivid imagery not only enhances the narrative but also invites readers to immerse themselves in the splendid contrasts between Maggie’s two worlds, separated by vast distances but interconnected through memory and identity.
In addition to *The World Beneath Her Feet*, Ringland has authored *The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding*, released in 2022, and is currently working on a nonfiction book titled *The House That Joy Built: How to Harness the Pleasure and Power of Creativity*, expected in 2026. Through her diverse portfolio, she continues to engage readers with her unique voice and storytelling capabilities.
With her new book now available for preorder, readers are eagerly anticipating Maggie Byrd’s compelling journey. Those who have followed Ringland’s literary career can expect a profound exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, wrapped up within breathtaking landscapes that pay homage to her Australian heritage.
As the release date approaches, fans of Ringland and literary enthusiasts alike are encouraged to prepare for a transformative reading experience that promises to linger in their minds long after the final page is turned.