The Hanging Tree
1997 Nominated

The Hanging Tree

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

Palaeontologist Kathryn Widd is in the Kenyan wild investigating hominid skull fragments. She becomes intrigued by a 1908 safari and the British nobleman who died mysteriously. The further she probes, the more deeply she is drawn into past lives and ancient, mysterious forces of violence.

When palaeontologist Kathryn Widd is called to the Kenyan wilderness to investigate a set of hominid skull fragments, she little suspects how profoundly the journey will change her. As she studies the ancient fossils, she becomes intrigued by the tale of a 1908 safari and the British nobleman who died mysteriously near the site of her dig. The further she probes, the more deeply she is drawn into past lives and a world turned upside down by ancient, mysterious forces of violence.

Surrounded only by the vast wasteland of African desert, her forgotten sexuality is gradually reawakened – first by Marion Macmillan, the neglected wife of Kathryn’s alcoholic colleague, then by the mystic nomad Daniel Tregallion. As the academic significance of the findings begins to attract worldwide attention, Kathryn finds herself drawn into a vortex of dark passion, native curses, and devastating political violence.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR David
Lambkin

David Lambkin is an award-winning writer who has travelled widely in east and central Africa. He was born in England but has made Africa his home and lives in the South African bushveld with his two cats.
David Lambkin is an award-winning writer who has travelled widely in east and central Africa. He was born in England but has made Africa his home and lives in the South African bushveld with his two cats.
We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
United Kingdom
Author
Publisher
Viking

RELATED FEATURES

Video April 7 2026

The 2026 Shortlist

Discover this year's Dublin Literary Award Shortlist
News April 7 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Shortlist is Announced

Delve into the 6 novels shortlisted this year.
News April 2 2026

Past Winner Spotlight: Michael Crummey

Reflecting on his 2025 Dublin Literary Award win with his novel 'The Adversary', libraries, literature and more.
News March 11 2026

Translator Spotlight: Jo Heinrich

Reflecting on translating the 2023 winning novel 'Marzahn, Mon Amour' and life as a literary translator.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.