Gulliver's Wife

A husband lost at sea returns three years later claiming to have travelled to impossible lands.

London, 1702. When sailor Lemuel Gulliver vanishes without a trace, his wife Mary—a respected midwife and herbalist—must forge a new life for herself and their young daughter. Three years later, she has finally found her footing when the impossible happens.

Gulliver returns.

Fevered, haunted, and speaking in riddles, he claims to have travelled to lands beyond imagination. As rumours spread through the city, his fantastical tales attract dangerous attention, drawing Mary into a world of suspicion, fear, and growing unrest.

But there is something even more troubling than her husband's stories. A fellow sailor—charismatic, ruthless, and with nothing left to lose—appears to hold a dark influence over Gulliver, threatening everything Mary has rebuilt.

As London's streets erupt with violence and poverty, Mary must protect her daughter, the vulnerable women in her care, and the fragile future she has fought to create. To save those she loves, she must uncover the truth behind Gulliver's astonishing journey—and confront the deepest secrets of her own heart.

A richly imagined historical novel of love, resilience, and the extraordinary cost of believing in the impossible, from the bestselling author of The Lace Weaver.

Praise for Gulliver’s Wife

'An absolutely gripping read, with a powerful and ultimately hopeful story to tell' Booktopia

‘Gulliver’s Wife is utterly spellbinding. Lauren Chater is a master of story-weaving and exquisite detail. I adored this book.’ Melissa Ashley, bestselling author of The Birdman’s Wife

‘Lauren Chater’s Mary Gulliver is an extraordinary character – a performer of everyday miracles, a woman of quiet strength and compassion in a world where nothing can be relied on, least of all her flamboyant fantasist of a husband. Set in a fictional past, this superbly written story of love, loss, motherhood, and letting go is highly relevant to the issues we face today. Do not miss it.’ Meg Keneally, author of Fled

‘Bold, evocative and brave – Gulliver’s Wife is a revelation in story-telling. I am in awe of Lauren Chater’s talent. Gulliver’s Wife had my heart from the opening line and didn’t let go until long after I finished the final page. An exquisitely told tale of love, loss and the magic of life.’ Tess Woods, author of Love and Other Battles

‘An imaginative tour-de-force!’ Bestselling author Kate Forsyth

‘The most impressive aspect of this novel is the finely tuned and nuanced treatment of the relationship between a mother and her rebellious teenage daughter.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘A heartfelt tale of female solidarity.’ Daily Telegraph