The Bone Sculptor
The Bone Sculptor
Out Now!
By A.S. Mink
The Bone Sculptor, A.S. Mink’s new historical novel, delves into the themes of human resilience, sacrifice, and moral dilemmas during the Nazi occupation in World War II.
The novel is set in the charming medieval town of Arnhem in Holland during WW2, where a close-knit family grapples with maintaining normalcy under Nazi rule. The eldest son, Kees, a sensitive young man, finds comfort in his family’s ancient home – a fortress with thick walls and private fields – an enchanting sanctuary where he brings magical creatures to life through his intricate bone carvings.
However, in 1941, his magical world shatters when his father, a fanatic Nazi, deceives him into enlisting in the SS. His Jewish friend, Ab, realises that Kees won’t survive the brutality of war, so he joins under a false identity and accompanies Kees to the Eastern Front.
As tensions rise, Kees finds solace in his friendship with Ab and his love for his family. He skillfully navigates the fine line between the supernatural and survival as he yearns to return home. But everything he holds dear is thrown into chaos when he receives a cryptic letter from his stepmother, unveiling a dark secret about Ab that turns Kees’s world upside down.
Will Kees’s magical creations be his salvation or lead to an unforeseen and shocking destiny?
The Bone Sculptor was longlisted for Mslexia’s Novel Award.
“The Bone Sculptor is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of war, family, and morality, with meticulous historical research and an emotionally resonant narrative that will captivate historical fiction fans.” – Booklife
“The novel is beautifully written with enchanting prose and ethereal imagery. Still, it never shies from or censors the horrors and brutality of this time.” – Pam, Book Sirens
“A must-read psychological roller coaster for fans of WW2 historical fiction.” – Electra Nanou, Reedsy Discovery
“The Bone Sculptor has an immersive and poignant way of illustrating the breaking of minds and relationships.” – Electra Nanou, Reedsy Discovery
“This was an excellent book that was so beautifully written and I could not put it down. I was constantly finding myself wanting to go back to this book.” – Becca, Book Sirens
“It’s an absolute page-turner. The suspense is off the charts, and the twists keep coming. The protagonist is intriguing, with layers of complexity that keep me guessing about his true motives. The dark and eerie atmosphere pulls you right into the story.” – Laura, Reedsy Discovery
“A Haunting Exploration of War, Loss, and Resilience.” – Umer Jibran, Reedsy Discovery
“This was a phenomenal read, easily one of my top reads of this year (and I read a LOT). The worldbuilding, the characters, the completely unique and beautiful storyline, historical knowledge, mixed with perfect amount of paranormal and magical influences.” – Eefje, Book Sirens
“A haunting and intricate story which explores the complex motivations of a range of characters and their experiences which are thought provoking and captivating, whilst keeping a sense of anticipation and dread throughout.” – Becca, Book Sirens
The Bone Sculptor will appeal to fans of The Book Thief and All the Light We Cannot See.