The Things We Leave Behind (Paperback)
Clare Furniss (author)Published: 14/03/2024
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.
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:
‘A frighteningly remarkable, relevant and moving novel, told gently and 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 Moonrise
'Gripping and heart-wrenching, the story has a tragic denouement that is almost too painful to read, but Furniss’ exquisite writing carries the reader through.' The Bookseller
I couldn't stop reading The Things We Leave Behind, I was totally immersed, as if I was a book-mad teenager again. I was moved and engrossed. Devastating and unsparing but full of hope and love too. It was a privilege to read it. - Candy Gourlay
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
SO good - gripping, moving, tense, twisty and very, very necessary. In Clare’s capable hands it all felt so utterly real and terrifyingly possible I got the chills. - Lisa Williamson
Such moving, thought-provoking, compelling story-telling. Wonderful characters. Utterly convincing. I loved it. - Julia Green
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
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
ISBN: 9781471169816
Number of pages: 320
Dimensions: 198 x 130 x 19 mm
You may also be interested in...
“The Things We Leave Behind was catastrophically emotive, lyrical and harrowing.”
Clem is just a normal teenager living in London—that is until her world spins on it’s axis after her birthday, a civil unrest turning life as everyone knows it into turmoil. The country is being run by a dangerous... More
“Stunning and unforgettable”
A truly stunning book that I can't put out of my mind. This world in only a small step away from ours which makes the story even more powerful, the knowledge that this could be waiting for us just around the... More
Please sign in to write a review
Sign In / Register
Sign In
Download the Waterstones App
Would you like to proceed to the App store to download the Waterstones App?