The Palm House

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Laura and Putnam have been friends for a long time. Theirs is a happy meeting of minds, with long evenings spent huddled in an ancient pub by the Thames, where they share office gossip, reflect on their teenage passions, and lament the state of the world.

Recently, though, Putnam has been harder to reach: he has lost his father, and the magazine to which he has dedicated his life has been hijacked by an insufferable new editor. Laura has her own problems. But as Putnam starts to sink into despondency, she must try to bring him back.

A sharply observed, slyly funny novel of enduring friendships and small mercies, from the Women's Prize-shortlisted author of First Love.

'This goes straight onto my list of favourite modern novels' The Times

Author: Gwendoline Riley

Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2026

Published on 2 Apr 2026 by Picador.