The Things We Leave Behind

Book excerpt: How I Live Now meets Exodus – a startling YA dystopia that imagines London as the epicentre of the refugee crisis, from critically acclaimed author Clare Furniss. Civil unrest in London has reached an all-time high after years of a growing authoritarian regime, and it’s no longer safe for Clem and her half-sister Billie in the city. Clem tells of their treacherous journey to Scotland, by road and then by sea, fleeing with nothing but a notebook filled with stories and memories of home. But is there something Clem's not saying? And how will this journey – and the sisters’ story – end? With the start of a new life? Or a mirror held up to the past? PRAISE FOR THE THINGS WE LEAVE BEHIND: ‘A frighteningly remarkable, relevant and moving novel, told gently and with impeccable style. Clare Furniss is one of the very best writers for young people and this new novel is her finest yet. I loved it.’ Sarah Crossan, author of Moonrise 'Gripping and heart-wrenching, the story has a tragic denouement that is almost too painful to read, but Furniss’ exquisite writing carries the reader through.' The Bookseller I couldn't stop reading The Things We Leave Behind, I was totally immersed, as if I was a book-mad teenager again. I was moved and engrossed. Devastating and unsparing but full of hope and love too. It was a privilege to read it. - Candy Gourlay This book is exceptional. Years and Years meets The End We Start From for teenagers. Should be on every secondary set text list. - Joanna Nadin SO good - gripping, moving, tense, twisty and very, very necessary. In Clare’s capable hands it all felt so utterly real and terrifyingly possible I got the chills. - Lisa Williamson Such moving, thought-provoking, compelling story-telling. Wonderful characters. Utterly convincing. I loved it. - Julia Green PRAISE FOR CLARE FURNISS: ‘Lingers in the mind long after the final word has been read’ Malorie Blackman, author of Noughts & Crosses ‘Absolutely gorgeous, heartfelt and incredibly enjoyable’ Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series ‘Funny, sharply observed, shocking and wonderful’ Sunday Times ‘A beautifully executed story . . . gloriously funny, deeply emotional and a triumph’ Daily Mail ‘Beautifully written’ Stylist PRAISE FOR CLARE FURNISS: ‘Lingers in the mind long after the final word has been read’ Malorie Blackman, author of Noughts & Crosses ‘Absolutely gorgeous, heartfelt and incredibly enjoyable’ Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series ‘Funny, sharply observed, shocking and wonderful’ Sunday Times ‘A beautifully executed story . . . gloriously funny, deeply emotional and a triumph’ Daily Mail ‘Beautifully written’ Stylist