Available Formats
Hardback
Published: 29th September 2024
Paperback
Published: 26th November 2024
Paperback
Published: 20th May 2025
Cuckoo
By (Author) Nell Frizzell
Transworld Publishers Ltd
Penguin (Transworld)
20th May 2025
13th February 2025
United Kingdom
General
Fiction
Family life fiction
Narrative theme: Love and relationships
Narrative theme: Death, grief, loss
823.92
Paperback
352
Width 129mm, Height 199mm, Spine 22mm
247g
A sharply funny and well-observed novel about an unconventional family from the award-winning writer, journalist and podcaster, Nell Frizzell. After Nancy's father dies, she is faced with two life-changing revelations. One- She has a half-brother she knew nothing about. Nancy's world is punched inside out at the discovery of a mysterious new sibling. But she can't help but feel curious about Oliver, this stranger who shares her DNA. Her sister Rita, on the other hand, is furious and wants nothing to do with their 'cuckoo' brother. Two- She's pregnant. The father - Nancy's not-quite-boyfriend from her not-quite-relationship - doesn't want to commit any time soon. He isn't even in the same continent as her right now. And with her mother and sister in shock about Oliver, Nancy's struggling to find someone to turn to for support. In a tumult of grief, fear and hope, Nancy pushes herself into an uncertain future as she rethinks what really makes a family. But there's one more thought in the back of her head... Is there space in her family for two more
Smart and funny, it had me from page one * Meg Mason *
Reliably compelling, always insightful and very entertaining writing from the wonderful Nell Frizzell * Clover Stroud *
Cuckoo is so warm, tender and beautiful . . . This is a spellbinding story about love, families and what makes us truly grow up. I adored it * Daisy Buchanan *
Carefully observed and sensitively described . . . poignant * Financial Times *
This was stunning . . . a really different kind of 'found family' novel. I was so invested in the characters by the end that I kept picking up the book again to see if there was any more * Lauren Bravo *
Nell Frizzell is a writer, journalist and Vogue columnist. She has written and worked for the Guardian, VICE, The Sunday Times, Elle, the BBC, the Observer, Grazia and The Independent among many others. Her first book, The Panic Years, was an exploration of bodies, babies and the big questions facing modern life. Her debut novel, Square One, painted a humorous picture of moving home, fathers and daughters and surviving heartbreak. She lives in Oxford, in a very small house full of pasta and bedding and bikes.