When Anna and Sadie discover the diaries of their mother, Rebecca, in the days following her death, they learn that her life was far more complex than either of them knew: a garment worker in early-1900s New York; the reluctant wife in an arranged marriage to an ailing and abusive husband; the improbable friend of a pregnant prostitute.

But the diaries reveal more than just surprising details about Rebecca’s life: they also point to a family secret - and questions about Sadie’s true parentage.

The Featherbed is a gripping family saga that moves between the tenements of New York’s Lower East Side and the stately homes of Toronto’s Annex. Strong in plot, character, setting, and style, it is a fully-realised debut from an assured writer.

John Miller is the award-winning author of two previous literary novels: The Featherbed (Dundurn, 2002) and A Sharp Intake of Breath (Dundurn, 2007), which won the 2008 Beatrice and Martin Fischer Award in Fiction). Miller was born and resides in Toronto, and currently works as a freelance consultant in non-profit organizational development and in global health.

John Miller's profile page

"This is a strong, well written and researched debut."

Books in Canada

"Although disturbing, The Featherbed is a bold first novel and Miller has evoked a credible feminist voice. Having previously written for Fuse and XTRA!, he is a gifted literary craftsman who deserves watching."

Canadian Jewish News

"an absorbing first novel, surprisingly mature and well-constructedthis is a book to pay attention to."

University of Toronto Quarterly, Vol. 73, Number 1

"a compelling story, hauntingly written."

The Sun Times (Owen Sound, ON)

"This is an old-fashioned tale, blending traditional storytelling with a deftly updated erotic candour."

Globe and Mail

"an entertaining book that provides an intimate look at family relationships."

Star Phoenix (Saskatoon, SK)