Being Emily

International bestseller: “A tender, lyrical coming-of-age narrative, its people drawn with love in that singing Glasgow voice that is Donovan’s signature.” —The Guardian

Things are never dull in the O’Connell family. And young Fiona has her artistic pursuits, and her budding relationship with a handsome Sikh boy. Still, squeezed between her quiet brother and her mischievous twin sisters, Fiona thinks life in their tenement flat in the Scottish city of Glasgow is far less interesting than Emily Bronte’s.

But tragedy is not confined to Victorian novels. And life for Fiona in this happy domestic setup is about to change forever. Following the devastating events of a single day, her family can never be the same. But perhaps, new relationships will develop—built on a solid foundation of love. Moving, funny and ultimately heartwarming, Being Emily is a wonderful novel about one young girl trying to find her place in the world amid the turmoil that only your own family can create.

“She handles characters and plot with both toughness and tenderness, and depicts the pains and pleasures borne by the developing female artist.” —Independent on Sunday

“An accomplished family drama … quirky and endearing.” —Sunday Herald