A story of falling out of love from the winner of the Comedy Women in Print Award, for fans of Monica Heisey and Dolly Alderton

Mara longs to escape the London rental market and the small, damp flat she shares with her housemate, Lewis (who refuses to wash up cutlery because it makes him feel weird). She wants nothing more than to get into her pyjamas at 6pm and watch Real Housewives in a judgement-free zone.

Then Mara's prayers are answered as she unexpectedly comes into some money that helps her find a home of her own. She just needs her long-term boyfriend, Tom, to move in so they can be happy and grown-up together.

Except Tom has decided to leave London - and Mara.

Just as her life should be coming together, everything starts to unravel. Navigating a break-up/non-break-up, a best friend accusing her of being self-involved, and a fixation with her new neighbours, will Mara ever be able to shake this homesick feeling?

Readers are already falling in love with Homesick ...

'I couldn't have loved this more ... It's a really accomplished and very funny commentary on urban living and twenty first century existence ... I was wrapped up in the propulsive plot'

'What I appreciate about Homesick is the exploration of everyday issues ... Mara's year of self-discovery is a great reminder that life is a complex journey'

'This novel offers a poignant exploration of love and self-discovery ... With its mix of laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional depth, this book is a delightful read'

the sharp and witty prize-winning debut novel for 2025

About the Author

British-Italian Silvia Saunders has an MA in Creative and Life Writing from Goldsmiths, University of London. Her debut novel, Homesick, won the Comedy Women in Print Unpublished Prize 2023. Originally from Nuneaton, birthplace of George Eliot, Silvia is ashamed to admit that she hasn't read a single one of Eliot's books - not even the skinny ones like Silas Marner. She lives in East London with her boyfriend and all her books.

Reviews

'Wittily told with bold strokes - a fun but knowing read' Helen Lederer

The novel completely pulled me in from the outset ... I found it a really moving, observant, convincing read and I know so many twenty-somethings will see themselves in Mara' Niamh Hargan

'Warm, honest, beautifully written' Liz Hoggard, writer and judge of CWIP 2023

Book Information
ISBN 9780008667016
Author Silvia Saunders
Format Hardback
Page Count 400
Imprint HarperCollins
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 222mm * 141mm * 28mm