Bethnal Green: The vibrant debut novel and love letter to the NHS that is captivating readers

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

'Captures with grace and profundity the experience of immigrants and health workers' TASH AW

'A beautifully immersive coming-of-age tale set amongst the brilliance and bleakness of 1970s London' LOUISE HARE


Penang, 1971. When Suyin Lim is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - a place as a trainee nurse in London's Bethnal Green Hospital - she jumps at the chance to leave her job as a seamstress and unite with her sister, who left for the same path a year before.

However, without warning her sister returns to Penang, a shadow of her former self and Suyin is forced to leave without any answers. Suyin soon finds herself starting a new life in London, falling in love with the vibrant city and its people and as she immerses herself in the gruelling but rewarding work of caring for her patients, she begins to understand what she really wants out of life . . .

BETHNAL GREEN explores the themes of sacrifice and heartbreak, the power of using your voice and the will to build a life of one's own against the odds. It is also a powerful love letter to dedicated NHS workers from around the world, whose work touches countless lives every day.

'Heartstring-pulling and hopeful' SARAH TURNER

'I was hooked from the first page' LAUREN HO

Reviews

Amlie Skoda captures with grace and profundity the experience of immigrants and health workers - the sacrifices as well as the joys of self-determination. A searching, immersive debut. * Tash Aw, Booker prize nominated author of The Harmony Silk Factory and Five Star Billionaire *
A beautifully immersive coming-of-age tale set amongst the brilliance and bleakness of 1970s London. Both a page-turning mystery and a thought-provoking examination of life for women at the time. I loved every moment of Suyin's journey. A wonderful debut. * Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City *
A thought provoking and touching tale of one woman's journey to find her place in the world as she navigates the push of opportunity versus the pull of family duty at home. Heartstring-pulling and hopeful with beautifully drawn characters, I enjoyed every second of getting to know Suyin. * Sarah Turner, Sunday Times bestselling author of Stepping Up *
Amlie Skoda presents a captivating immigrant story about a young nurse starting her new career and life in London during the 1970s, far from her troubled family and the only life she had ever known in Malaysia. I was hooked from the first page. * Lauren Ho, author of Last Tang Standing and Lucie Yi Is Not a Romantic *
An insightful read. Amlie Skoda's writing so gently drew me into Suyin's world. I felt the pull and confusion of the clashing cultures she faced as well as the conflict between love and loyalty, duty and self discovery. * Pam Williams, author of Women's Prize longlisted novel A Trace of Sun *
Tender, searing, the untold story of a Malaysian nurse, navigating the pitfalls and opportunities of 1970s Britain. * Ella King, author of Bad Fruit *
Bethnal Green is a gorgeous homage to East London and Suyin's is a voice so often unheard in storytelling. I felt deeply connected to her journey. * Eva Verde, author of In Bloom *
A tender, original read with a slow burn mystery and love story that kept the pages turning. A relatable yet original immigrant narrative that has you rooting for its Malaysian protagonist. * Elaine Chiew, author of The Light Between Us *
A love letter to the NHS and the many staff from overseas who are an integral part of its beating heart, Bethnal Green transports you to 1970s London. You can see, smell and feel its streets and its buildings, and you root for Suyin to find her place within it. * Victoria Scott, author of The Women Who Wouldn't Leave *
A tender coming-of-age story of a Malaysian woman who moves to London to become a nurse. Bethnal Green is a novel of a woman trying to find her place in the world, trying to find love, purpose and people to trust. This is a gentle and tender novel that looks for a shared humanity, even when life is at its most bewildering and isolating. * Lily Lindon, author of Double Booked and My Own Worst Enemy *

Author Bio

Amlie Skoda was born in London to French and Malaysian parents and grew up in Kent. She studied English at University College London and has an MA in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, University of London. Her writing was shortlisted for the 2021 Mo Siewcharran Prize. Bethnal Green is her first novel.