This authorised celebration of Eva Ibbotson's life and work is a unique and moving literary biography, filled with fascinating ephemera.

‘In Sweden,’ she said, rising to stand beside him and speaking very seriously, ‘they have a word for a place like this. It’s called a "smultronställe". A "wild strawberry place". A place like that is special, it’s the most special place there is . . . A place where life is an epiphany. (Eva Ibbotson, Magic Flutes)

For bestselling author and Eva Ibbotson fan Laura Wood, every one of Eva's novel is a wild strawberry place - now, whether you're already a fan or discovering her for the first time, Laura invites you to find joy and wonder in the life and work of a beloved author.

Eva Ibbotson's classic novels, filled with warmth, wit and a yearning for a place to belong, have captivated generations of readers. Follow the fascinating journey of a life that spanned Europe in its turbulent mid-twentieth century and inspired unforgettable characters and landscapes.

Drawing on previously unseen material from the family's private archive, and interviews with Eva's family and friends, we discover the connections between her personal experiences and the enduring themes of some of her best-loved novels: the search for home, the power of storytelling and the triumph of humour and compassion. A short collection of rediscovered, out-of-print ephemera and a charming Eva Ibbotson short story completes this inventive biography, a treasure trove for book lovers everywhere.