Laura Barnett Boeken

'Barnett has that rare talent, like Curtis Sittenfeld or Kate Atkinson, of building up the mundane aspects of everyday life until they acquire meaning' THE TIMES 'Barnett excels herself in this mesmerising ballad of a book...Greatest Hits is not just about music, it's about people: their ambitions, friendships and flaws. An absolute must read' STYLIST If you could choose just sixteen moments to define your entire life, what would they be? Cass Wheeler has seen it all - from the searing heights of success, to earth-shattering moments of despair. She has known passion, envy, pride, fear, and love. She has been a daughter, a mother, a singer, a lover. A musician born in 1950, Cass is now taking one day to select the sixteen songs in her repertoire that have meant the most to her. And behind each song lies a story - from the day her mother abandoned her, to her passionate first love, to the moment she lost everything. The dreams, the failures, the second chances. But what made her disappear so suddenly from her public life and, most importantly, can she find her way back?

From no. 1 bestselling author Laura Barnett comes a novel about motherhood, second chances and choosing your own family.

#1 UK Bestseller "A joy." -- Guardian "Enchanting." -- People "Triumphant." -- Sunday Telegraph "Stunningly crafted and constantly surprising . . . An utterly convincing love story about two people destined to be together somehow, no matter what." -- Times "One Day meets Sliding Doors." -- Elle A dazzling novel about the ways the smallest decisions give shape to our lives, The Versions of Us charts a relationship through three possible futures. Cambridge, 1958. Late for class, Eva Edelstein swerves to miss a dog and crashes her bike. Jim Taylor hurries to help her. In that brief moment, three outcomes are born for Eva and Jim. As the strands of their lives weave together and apart across the decades from college through wildly different successes and disappointments, seductions and betrayals, births and funerals, joys and sorrows, the only constant is the power of their connection. TheVersions of Us is a tour de force of storytelling. "Barnett renders an irresistible concept in sweet, cool prose -- a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure book in which you don't have to choose." -- Observer "One of the most engrossing novels either of us has read in years." --Richard Madeley, Richard and Judy Book Club "I simply adored this wonderful novel." -- Jessie Burton, author of The Muse and The Miniaturist

Twelve people. Twelve gifts. One Christmas to remember.A novel in stories about how wonderful and sad and difficult and happy and strange Christmas can be. Stories to inspire, move and comfort.

Laura Barnett, a freelance arts journalist and critic, has made her mark with her debut novel, which became a bestseller and has been translated into 23 languages. Her background in journalism and theatre informs her writing, providing depth and insight. Barnett's second novel, released alongside a unique soundtrack, showcases her creative versatility. With TV rights to her debut optioned, she continues to engage audiences through her compelling storytelling and rich character development.

The narrative centers on Lolo and Lane, both grappling with the loss of someone dear to them. Their paths intertwine through Little Max, who possesses a vital connection for both characters. As they navigate their grief, they must confront dark forces in their respective worlds that threaten their journey and the bond they share. Themes of loss, connection, and the struggle against malevolent influences drive the story forward.

This thoughtful and heartfelt book develops two main themes: the healing power of a compassionate understanding towards ourselves and others; and the ways boundaries are set within and around various areas of our lives.