Teenager Emily is spellbound by the exotic stranger - here is a man of the world who won't care that she's not respectable. However, Emily has competition for the herbalist's attentions. It seems the women of her small town are all mesmerized by the visitor who, they say, can perform miracles.

'An elegant morality tale ... Her publisher describes her as "a dazzling new voice". I cannot disagree' Sunday Times

'A vividly imagined tale of love, lust and longing ... a compelling read with a cathartic ending that deserves a wide readership. It remains authentic and moving to the end' Sunday Business Post

'A hugely impressive and wonderfully assured debut novel.' Irish Times

'I read The Herbalist with great pleasure. The characters jump alive from the page and I had to read fast to find out what happened, totally gripped.' Patricia Ferguson, author of The Midwife's Daughter

'Richly layered and finely realised ... Niamh Boyce's compelling female characters yearn for the light of the outside world, which comes in the shape of a stranger trading in herbs, cures, complications and danger.' Dermot Bolger, author

'Reminds me of a whole raft of great Irish writers ... the writing is beautiful ... a serious new literary talent' TV3

'Comparisons to Edna O'Brien and Pat McCabe are more than justified. That said, Boyce has a unique voice and sensibility, one that's entirely her own.' Image

'A riveting story that electrifies and dazzles with wonderful imagery' Writing.ie