SHELTER, the first novel from author Sarah Franklin, is published today by Bonnier. Described by the Irish Times as “this year’s most eagerly anticipated debut” in their selection of 25 books ‘to entertain and enlighten’, this beautiful hardback is already hooking reviews, bloggers and fellow authors around the country, and is the Bedtime Bookclub pick for The Pool. Adele Parks called it ‘Beautiful’ and Shelley Harris, after saying how much she loved this book, commented that ‘[the main male character] Seppe is one of the most refreshing portrayals of masculinity I have ever read’.
Early spring 1944. Connie Granger has escaped her bombed-out city home, finding refuge in the Women's Timber Corps. For her, this remote community must now serve a secret purpose. Seppe, an Italian prisoner of war, is haunted by his memories. In the forest camp, he finds a strange kind of freedom. Their meeting signals new beginnings. But as they are drawn together, the world outside their forest haven is being torn apart. Old certainties are crumbling, and both must now make a life-defining choice. What price will they pay for freedom? What will they fight to protect?
Woman & Home called the novel ‘fascinating and assured’ while Good Housekeeping refer to it as ‘an atmospheric debut and a fascinating glimpse into a forgotten aspect of WWII’. The novel also counts among its fans Adele Parks, Lissa Evans, Shelley Harris and Carys Bray, among others – see further praise below. Follow the hashtag #GiveMeShelter on Instagram to discover the SHELTER #bookstagram tour hosted by Bonnier Zaffre!
The audiobook will be published shortly by Isis Publishing.
About the author:
Sarah lectures in publishing at Oxford Brookes, is the host of Short Stories Aloud and a judge for the Costa Short Story Award. She has written for the Guardian, Psychologies magazine, The Pool, the Sunday Express and the Seattle Times.
Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahEFranklin
Praise for SHELTER:
‘A wonderful, affecting debut novel about the redemptive power of nature.’ - Sarra Manning, Red Online
‘Sarah Franklin’s compelling debut shows how outsiders in a time of war seek to rebuild their lives again. Powerful and moving.’ – Essie Fox, author of THE SOMNAMBULIST
‘Life affirming and compelling; SHELTER is a must-read, and Sarah Franklin a breath of fresh air’ – Claire Mackintosh, author of I LET YOU GO
'One of 3 Books to Pop in Your Suitcase' – Prima