Description

Being a teen’s a tough gig, but what if one gig
could save your family?
‘Gorgeous and sensitive, incredibly thoughtful to its characters
who are full of life and colour and vivid detail … a
truly special debut.’ MARGARET MCDONALD

‘… has a subtle power. Honest, engaging and warm, Elias’s
story will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.’
SARAH CROSSAN

‘The most gorgeously written and heartfelt debut in years.
Breaks your heart into a million tiny pieces all at once and then
puts it back together again – a marvel.’ PIERS
TORDAY

Elias’s brain is a swamp of fears and bad things. His once-loving
brother Bo has become a stranger, and his parents are at
breaking point.

When Bo falls in with dangerous people, Elias decides he’s
the only one who can bring his family back together. But what
begins as a simple pizza-night plan quickly spirals into chaos.

Can Elias find a way to reach the people he loves the most
before it’s too late?

The stunning debut novel from Lucas Maxwell, winner of
the Times/Chicken House Competition 2024

Set in wintry Nova Scotia, Canada and inspired by the
author’s childhood, this special novel explores themes of
family addiction and growing up neurodivergent

Perfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower,
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
and Orbiting Jupiter

For readers aged 13 and up

‘Emotional gut punch, beautiful setting, and HD real characters’
NATHANIEL LESSORE

‘Very occasionally I read a book which I know is going to
stay with me for a very long time … I loved it very much.’ SIMON
JAMES GREEN

‘I was gripped from the very first line. Wonderful.’
LISA THOMPSON

‘I read it in pretty much one sitting … flawless’ JASBINDER
BILAN

‘Unimaginably good … a work of utter genius’ TIA
FISHER

‘I highly recommend this lovely read’ SUSIN NIELSEN