The Cast Iron Shore

A Haunting Portrait of Memory, Identity, and Belonging

The Cast Iron Shore by Linda Grant, published in 1997 by Picador, is a richly textured debut novel that explores the legacy of war, the search for self, and the quiet complexities of family and history. Set against the backdrop of post-war Liverpool, this compelling literary fiction blends political insight with emotional resonance.

A Daughter’s Journey Through the Shadows of the Past

Sybil Ross is the daughter of a glamorous, elusive mother and a passionate left-wing father. As she grows up in a household marked by political ideals and emotional distance, Sybil begins to piece together the story of who her parents truly were—and who she is. When a tragic loss pulls her into the darker currents of her family’s past, Sybil sets out on a personal journey that spans decades and continents.

Evocative, Intelligent, and Deeply Moving

Grant writes with lyrical elegance and psychological acuity, crafting a novel that is as much about personal memory as it is about national identity and the legacy of the 20th century. The Cast Iron Shore is a meditation on love, ideology, and the sometimes painful truths we inherit.

Perfect for Readers of Thoughtful, Character-Driven Fiction

This Booker-longlisted novel will appeal to fans of introspective literary fiction with historical and political undercurrents.