Going Home: One of the Observer's Debut Novels of 2024

A lyrical, hypnotic delight, Tom Lamont's novel explores the power struggles in even the most loving of families and friendships. Téo Erskine is back in his childhood neighborhood, visiting his father, Vic, who is stubborn, selfish, and complicated. Lia Woods, a single mother of two-year-old Joel, has been transformed, and Téo, Vic, and Ben are all in love with her.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2024
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Pepped up and gorgeous, just bristling with life, Olivia Laing's novel is a beautiful, funny tale of London and lives new and old. The Observer calls it "a spirit-lifting debut," while the Sunday Times praises its "charm to burn." David Mitchell, author of Cloud Atlas, describes it as "poignant yet very funny." Tom Lamont writes in clear, swift prose about the power struggles that exist in even the most loving of families and the longest of friendships. Katherine Heiny, author of Games and Rituals, calls it a "lyrical, hypnotic delight." Helen Garner, author of The Children's Bach, says she will never forget these characters, who are so pained and funny, so brilliantly drawn, wrestled with and forgiven. Bella Mackie, author of How to Kill Your Family, adored every moment.

Local boy Téo Erskine is back in the north London suburb of his youth, visiting his father, stubborn, selfish, complicated Vic. Things have changed for Téo: he has a steady job, a brand-new car, and a London flat, all concrete and glass, with a sliver of a river view. Except, underneath the surface, not much has changed at all. He is still the boy seeking his father's approval, the young man playing late-night poker with his best friend, unreliable, infuriating Ben Mossam, and the one still desperately in love with the enigmatic Lia Woods. Lia's life, on the other hand, has been transformed: now a single mum to two-year-old Joel, she doesn't have time for anyone - not even herself.

When the unthinkable happens, Joel finds himself at the centre of an odd constellation of men: Téo, Vic, Ben - none of whom is fully equipped to look after him, but whose strange, tentatious relationships with each other reveal a hidden world of secrets and lies. As Téo and Lia struggle to navigate their own complicated lives, they must also come to terms with the unexpected consequences of their actions.

Olivia Laing's novel is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of family relationships. With its vivid characters and gripping plot, it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 163 x 244 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399727495