I really enjoyed this book. It was a very gentle read and the prose flowed really well. I read it over the course of an afternoon and it was a really nice read. The story has lovely pacing and the characters are flawed but sympathetic.

I was surprised it was debut novel as it was well plotted, well examined, funny with strong characters. A really great look at what’s it’s like to be a woman today and addressed mental illness with sympathy.

I was so emotional reading this, but in a good way. The plot of Homesick is centered around first lovers, family, and going through the hardships of growing up/learning how to be alone with yourself. Silvia Saunders is able to really hook you in with all the feelings and situations Mara encounters. I felt for Mara and related to her so much. The other characters weren't just side characters too; they deeply influenced the story and are so complex and well written. Definitely a commentary novel I will buy and read again. Thank you to the publisher and Netgelly for this ARC.

Homesick is a beautifully crafted story that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and the search for belonging in the wake of life-altering changes. Following the sudden death of her father, Mara unexpectedly inherits enough money to purchase a flat in London, prompting her to escape the dreadful rental market and her equally dreadful childhood friend-turned-housemate, Lewis, who has a peculiar aversion to washing up cutlery.

Mara's hopes are pinned on her long-term boyfriend, Tom, moving in with her— a natural progression for their relationship. However, Tom's decision to leave London—and Mara—throws their future into disarray, leading to a rather complicated break-up that feels more like a slow drift apart.

As Mara grapples with the fallout of her relationship, she becomes increasingly fixated on the seemingly perfect couple living in the flat above her. This "Happy Couple" embodies everything she and Tom could have been, highlighting the chasm that has grown between them. Meanwhile, her best friend Noor struggles with feelings of envy towards Mara’s new circumstances, putting a strain on their friendship. Additionally, Mara's boss at the library begins to encroach upon her personal space, his overly familiar attitude becoming increasingly unsettling.

Throughout the year, we follow Mara as she settles into her new flat, navigating the challenges of her relationships while attempting to establish her independence. The narrative is lightly told yet carries profound depth, capturing the highs and lows of her life with remarkable authenticity.

Homesick is filled with memorable characters and relatable situations, making it a heartfelt exploration of first loves, found families, and the bittersweet experience of growing up. This is an excellent debut that resonates deeply, and it beautifully illustrates the process of embracing the world around us while learning to say goodbye and hello. Highly recommended for readers seeking a poignant and relatable tale.

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Was unsure if this would be for me I was really hoping it wasn’t not being one the books that is a really Rom-Com tarted up as literally fiction, I am so glad to report this debut is moving , smart and told with true humour. It was really well written I was surprised it was debut novel as it was well plotted, well examined, funny with string characters. A really great look at what’s it’s like to be a woman today. A real treat if read

A gorgeous story of first loves and found families, of growing up, saying goodbye, saying hello and embracing the world around you. Homesick is lightly told but has great depth.

Mara has inherited enough money to buy a flat in London and is hoping that long term boyfriend, teacher Tom will move in; its the natural next step. Instead, it throws a curveball into their relationship and the two of them slowly drift apart, although never breaking up. Mara's best friend Noor is envious of Mara's good fortune and it affects their relationship too. And Mara's boss at the library is getting a bit too close for comfort, his creepy attitude of 'we're all friends here' grating on her more than she can say.

We follow Mara as she moves into the flat, learning more and hearing more about her neighbours than anyone needs to know; we see her settle into the space but still have to manage her relationship with Tom, scared to say the wrong thing in case he spirals into depression; and onwards through the year as the highs and lows of life crash over her.

Wonderfully told, with some memorable characters and very relatable situations. An excellent debut.

I couldn't have loved this more. Its hard to believe that this is a debut novel. It's a really accomplished and very funny commentary on urban living and twenty first century existence. The issues of mental illness are really well tackled too. I couldn't put this down and as well as making me laugh a lot with her astute observations, I was wrapped up in the propulsive plot. What a book!

As far as I find "Homesick's" description a bit misleading, all in all, this is a well-constructed story that is a reminder that romantic love doesn't have to a be-all, end-all subject in a young woman's life. The fragmentary nature of the chapters makes this novel flow dynamically, leaving a lot of room for the reader to fill in the gaps.

What I appreciate about "Homesick" is the exploration of everyday issues that young people face that don't feel too far fetched. For example, living with flatmates and how this living situation may create opportunities for the relationships to go sour; friendship breakups and reconnections; dealing with a loved one's mental health struggles; workplace dramas and finding fulfilment outside impressive job titles - just to name a few.

Mara's year of self-discovery is a great reminder that life is a complex journey, full of ups and downs, and bittersweetness, but also that first impressions (and first loves, as well as other firsts...) might be deceiving.

This novel offers a poignant exploration of love and self-discovery. The narrative’s clever exploration of love, identity, and the struggle to move on is both relatable and engaging. With its mix of laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional depth, this book is a delightful read for anyone who’s ever wondered what it truly means to fall out of love.