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About The Book

How I Live Now meets Exodus – a startling YA dystopia that imagines London as the epicentre of the refugee crisis, from critically acclaimed author Clare Furniss.

‘Compulsive, poignant YA dystopia’ The Guardian
‘An exquisite, devastating read’ The Irish Times
‘Genuinely moving’ Daily Mail
‘Reminiscent of Meg Rosoff’s How I Live Now and Paul Lynch’s Book Prize-winning dystopia Prophet Song, this is a devastating novel which speaks to the present political moment’ Just Imagine


Civil unrest in London has reached an all-time high after years of a growing authoritarian regime, and it’s no longer safe for Clem and her half-sister Billie in the city. Clem tells of their treacherous journey to Scotland, by road and then by sea, fleeing with nothing but a notebook filled with stories and memories of home. But is there something Clem's not saying? And how will this journey – and the sisters’ story – end? With the start of a new life? Or a mirror held up to the past?

PRAISE FOR THE THINGS WE LEAVE BEHIND:
‘Remarkable. A frighteningly relevant and moving novel, told with impeccable style. Clare Furniss is one of the very best writers for young people and this new novel is her finest yet. I loved it.’ Sarah Crossan, author of Where The Heart Should Be

‘Beautifully written, page-turning in the extreme, and deep and person and global’ A.F. Harrold, author of The Imaginary and The Worlds We Leave Behind

‘I couldn’t stop reading The Things We Leave Behind… Devastating and unsparing but full of hope and love too. It was a privilege to read it.’ Candy Gourlay, author of Wild Song

‘This book is exceptional… Years and Years meets The End We Start From for teenagers. Should be on every secondary set text list.’ Joanna Nadin, author of A Calamity of Mannerings

‘Gripping, moving, tense, twisty and very, very necessary… It all felt so utterly real and terrifyingly possible.’ Lisa Williamson, author of The Art of Being Normal

‘Such moving, thought-provoking, compelling story-telling. Wonderful characters. Utterly convincing. I loved it.’ Julia Green, author of Ettie and the Midnight Pool

‘Reminiscent of Meg Rosoff’s How I Live Now and Paul Lynch’s Book Prize-winning dystopia Prophet Song, this is a devastating novel which speaks to the present political moment’ Just Imagine




PRAISE FOR CLARE FURNISS:

‘Lingers in the mind long after the final word has been read’ Malorie Blackman, author of Noughts & Crosses

‘Absolutely gorgeous, heartfelt and incredibly enjoyable’ Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series

‘Funny, sharply observed, shocking and wonderful’ Sunday Times

‘A beautifully executed story . . . gloriously funny, deeply emotional and a triumph’ Daily Mail

‘Beautifully written’ Stylist


PRAISE FOR CLARE FURNISS:

‘Lingers in the mind long after the final word has been read’ Malorie Blackman, author of Noughts & Crosses

‘Absolutely gorgeous, heartfelt and incredibly enjoyable’ Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series

‘Funny, sharply observed, shocking and wonderful’ Sunday Times

‘A beautifully executed story . . . gloriously funny, deeply emotional and a triumph’ Daily Mail

‘Beautifully written’ Stylist

About The Author

Photo courtesy of Lou Abercrombie

Clare Furniss grew up in London and moved to Birmingham in her teens. After brief stints as a waitress, shop assistant and working at the Shakespeare Centre Library, she studied at Cambridge University and worked for several years in political media relations. She now lives in Bath and has completed an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. Clare's novels have been shortlisted for numerous awards including the Branford Boase, CILIP Carnegie and The Bookseller YA Bookprize. You can follow her on Twitter @clarefurniss and find out more information on her website www.clarefurniss.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK (March 14, 2024)
  • Length: 320 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781471169816
  • Ages: 12 and up

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