The Binding

by Bridget Collins
The Binding cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1083
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-09-25
  • ISBN: 9780008272135
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2019-01-07
  • Formats: 21
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

In a society where memories are bound into books and kept by a select few, a young man named Emmett becomes an apprentice to a bookbinder. As he learns the trade, he uncovers the ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices involved in preserving memories. His journey takes a dramatic turn when he falls in love with one of the women whose memories he is tasked with binding. /n/n The Binding is a haunting exploration of memory, love, and the power of storytelling. Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year 2019, this novel has been praised for its immersive world-building and spellbinding narrative. It delves into the consequences of erasing personal histories and the moral complexities of controlling knowledge.

Reviews
Nerds Like Me · 2019-01-21
charming 4.00

The characters are well-rounded, and the romance plot is something to root for. The light touch of the story works very well.

This reviewer found the characters in the book to be well-developed and relatable, making the story engaging from start to finish. The romance plot is particularly noteworthy, as it adds a layer of emotional depth that is both heartwarming and compelling. The lighthearted approach to the narrative is a strength, as it allows the story to flow smoothly without feeling overly burdened by heavy themes. The reviewer enjoys the balance struck between the fantastical elements and the emotional core of the characters' journeys.

Quick quotes

    It's a light touch, but it works very well.

    The characters are well-rounded, and the romance plot is something I do find myself rooting for.

    The lighthearted approach to the narrative is a strength.

The Guardian · 2019-01-04
enchanting 3.50

The book is an unpretentious work of escapist fiction with simple morality, where good characters are essentially noble. It offers a magical tale that is engaging and thought-provoking.

The reviewer sees this book as a delightful escape into a world where the lines between good and evil are clearly drawn. The simplicity of its morality makes it accessible and enjoyable, while the magical elements add depth and intrigue. The reviewer appreciates the straightforward approach, which allows the story to shine without unnecessary complexity. It's a tale that invites readers to ponder the nature of memory and ethics, all wrapped in an enchanting narrative.

Quick quotes

    The morality of the book is simple; the good are essentially noble and ...

    The Binding is an unpretentious work of escapist fiction.

    The book offers a magical tale that is engaging and thought-provoking.

BookerTalk · 2019-01-01
engaging 4.00

This is a strong debut novel, written with pace and memorable imagery. With a few tweaks, it could have been even stronger.

The reviewer praises the book as a strong debut, highlighting its fast pace and vivid imagery that brings the story to life. They believe the novel has a lot to offer, but suggest that a few tweaks, such as further developing certain characters, could have elevated it even more. Despite minor criticisms, the reviewer appreciates the overall quality of the writing and the imaginative world-building. It's a book that leaves a lasting impression with its unique premise and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    This is a strong debut novel, written with pace and memorable imagery.

    With a few tweaks (to more fully realise Emmett's sister for example) it ...

    It leaves a lasting impression with its unique premise and engaging narrative.

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