I enjoyed this to start with, but got to 40% and felt a little bored. I didn't really care for the characters and not much was going on. A lot of day to day ordinary scenes, maybe that was the point. Usually I do like these kind of "sad girl" books but this one just didn't resonate for me unfortunately. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
A raw and intimate novel about grief, belonging, and the meaning of home. Silvia Saunders writes with emotional honesty and clarity, giving voice to the silent undercurrents of displacement and longing. A thoughtful and beautifully crafted debut.

Such a good mixture of serious storytelling and comedy. One page I was laughing and the next page I was feeling such empathy for the characters. This book shines a light on topics such as mental health and transitions into adulthood. Such a page turner and I can’t wait for more from this author.

LET’S FORGET, for a moment, that there is a housing crisis going on. That buying a home is a perfectly normal practice that is always tinged with a bit of anxiety and worry, as well as hopeful anticipation, but doesn’t necessarily revolve around a permanent state of doom.
That is sort of where we find Maya, whose unexpected windfall at age 25 spurs her along to buy a flat for herself in London. She is by no means flush with cash – a newly qualified librarian, she flat-shares with a childhood friend who is growing increasingly hostile towards their set-up, and her boyfriend’s address lies on the other side of the city.
But when the opportunity arises, she thinks, why not? Her mother is on board, she sees her life continuing in the capital, it will be a huge relief to have a place to call her own. And so begins the hunt to find a place that ticks all the boxes, or at least the fundamental ones.
Unsurprisingly, it’s not plain sailing, and what Mara takes to be a huge sum is sniffed at by the estate agents she encounters. She is soon brought down to earth as to what she can afford and adjusts her expectations accordingly.
While the house-hunt is the main thing on Mara’s mind, life is also going on around her, as it tends to do. She is grappling with a problem patron of the library, her best friend is growing distant, with troubles of her own, and her boyfriend is not himself. The couple had moved from Birmingham after qualifying in their respective fields, and the change of scenery is proving difficult for Tom.
A teacher, his colleagues have been keeping him going but the uprooting from his familiar life has taken its toll. Mara doesn’t have the experience, or bandwidth, to clue herself in to what is really going on, and so Tom’s issues remain his own, until they become too big to ignore.
Homesick is divided into seasons, and Mara’s search for a flat to inhabit comes to a close quite quickly, with the rest of the story dedicated to how she settles in to her new community and also how she and Tom navigate his mental health.
This becomes the main crux of the narrative; how does the partner of someone who is seriously struggling with depression show their support while continuing to thrive in their own life? It’s a tricky subject, sensitively and realistically told, revealing the complicated nuances of loving relationships.
Mara and Tom are only in their twenties, and having met at university and clicked straight away, have never considered that there are other paths ahead to be forged for them, individually and as a couple. They naively assume that life will just happen for them, instead of realising that they need to take it into their own hands.
With Mara’s newfound independence and responsibility gained from buying her flat and interacting with the other residents of the small building in which the apartment is contained, the world starts opening for her. Tom’s world, conversely, begins to shrink, and it’s this juxtaposition that forms the basis of the main story,
Despite its subject matter, Homesick is a witty and quietly comic novel exploring the complexities of life in your twenties, and having a permanent base, unlike most of her peers, is the most unusual thing about Mara’s situation. Tom’s situation is, sadly, not uncommon, and it is a considered commentary on the handling of a person’s mental health crisis.
Mara and Tom’s generation is much better at confiding and looking for help than previous ones, yet illness doesn’t come with a manual, and there is always an individual response required for each case. Even when both parties are well, navigating a relationship when suddenly on different trajectories, or indeed locations, remains an evergreen problem that most adults will have had to deal with in their lives.
Because it takes place over about a year or so, Homesick doesn’t hinge on any one particular event, but a number of small ones. It’s a slice of life, which culminates quite deliberately anticlimactically. It’s an impressive debut, with moments of real insight and catharsis.

I wouldn’t necessarily call this book laugh-out-loud funny, especially as at times I found it a little bleak and like something awful was just about to happen, but Saunders writes with such an energetic, quirky charm that I found myself charging through the story really quickly. A break-up book rather than a romance book, there were times when I was really frustrated with the narrator, like she was a little disassociated from her own life, but then again it really did feel like being in your twenties, trying to figure it all out, desperately clinging to what you think you need and want rather than what you actually really need and want. Really excited to see how Silvia Saunders evolves as a writer!

I'm not sure how to review this book. There were some good lines in it, and the characters weren't unlikable, but it was just meh overall.

It felt like a lot of nothing that finally added up to a book, if that makes sense. Maybe it was just too normal to make much of an impact for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Please be aware of any potential spoilers!

I read Homesick as a digital book and gave it 4 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Going into this book I was very excited to read it, the blurb and the title just caught my eye and i thought this would be a good book and it was! Homesick to me felt very real life like and I really enjoyed how it talks about the not so positive things that happen when you get older in your life, I think sometimes we are heavily shown and told that life as you get older gets better and that everything's OK, which is true to an extent, but I did enjoy how this book also talks about the hardships when it comes to getting older and the process of moving forward. Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the short chapters; the chapters in this book are usually all quite short and that added to my enjoyment of the book as for me everything just got to the point and they helped hold my attention, as this is a long book but didn't actually feel like it. It did take me a little bit of time to actually get into the book, but not that long that it made me loose interest. Overall, I thought that this was a good book, if you do check this book out please check TWs and CWs before reading it. Thank you again to Netgalley and the publishers.

When adulting is the last thing on your mind
—
Mara has a good job, her boyfriend, even her first place as a homeowner. But what does she do when things start falling apart? We show our true colours under stress, but Mara’s suck-it-and see approach to fixing her problems doesn’t get her much closer to a solution. It’s only when she starts to take control, in baby steps, that she starts to edge towards equilibrium.

Like a slightly more working class version of Sex and the City—minus the newspaper column, the walk-in closet and the fabulous shoe collection—Mara’s reactions to the obstacles in her life become tragicomic, if not tragic, set pieces. Life, fate, the deity of your choice: they send her life zagging when she expects it to zig, things never quite working out as expected.

Surrounded by a cast of fully realised coworkers, neighbours and notable frenemies, Mara’s mum is the standout character here, their relationship loving, guiding and wise; if only we could all be so lucky to have such a mentor in our lives.

Worth four stars of anybody’s time.

Homesick was an anticipated read for me, as I have the pleasure of knowing Silvia and have followed the release of this book for a very long time, and was sad when the release got pushed by a few months, but I am happy to have finally read it!

There were parts of Homesick that I really found relatable, especially as I am at a similar age to Mara, the main character, and both myself and Mara working as librarians. I liked seeing Mara go on a bit of a journey of self discovery, making new connections as well as keeping her friendships and being in a long term relationship that is far from perfect.

Mara finds herself buying a flat in London (which is near impossible for people Mara’s age these days) with the help of an inheritance, however as her life changes, things start to become harder for Mara and things thst she thought would slot into place, don’t. Her boyfriend doesn’t seem to want to move in with her and their relationship is tested as Tom struggles with his mental health. Mara finds ways to cope, which can be difficult in a whole new environment with new neighbours - which I liked getting to know, I was invested in their mini storylines, and I would really love a sequel on Adele and Baz, their past and what happens next. There is also Mara’s job with a boss that sucks and certain creepy patrons. I did love the fact that Mara is a librarian, takes away from the sterotype that librarians are old and wear cardigans all the time and tell people to shush, although a lot of us do love our cardigans!

This book really shows the ups and downs of growing up, growing apart and growing closer, changes in relationships and changes to life plans. This book also deals with anxiety and stress, mental health and shines a realistic light on the fact no one and nothing is perfect, everyone has their own struggles.

I thinkit was a relatable, easy and enjoyable read, and was worth the wait! I am giving Homesick 4 stars and I am waiting for whatever Silvia comes up with next!

I went into this blind, but I'm glad I read it. It's a slice-of-life book about Mara, a very relatable 26-year-old going through a tough time with her boyfriend, Tom.

This book portrays what we know. Adulting is tough and painful. Mara, to her credit, is stronger and more mature than she gives herself credit for. I enjoyed the book and especially loved Mara's supportive mom.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the e-copy!

3.5/5

Homesick is a brilliant, absorbing book about trying to find and hold onto connections, finding a community and finding yourself.

Mara, a librarian in London (the dream job), finds herself buying a flat with an unexpected inheritance... she can't believe her life is coming together so nicely especially as she's only in her twenties. Yet, things start to crumble - her closest friendship is tested, her boyfriend is having a breakdown and her boss is being a creep. If only life could be how it used to be but yet Mara must push forward and find her own way through life.

Relatable and insightful into the joys and complexities of growing up and finding that you are the only one who can shape your life.

Thank you Netgalley for the ebook version of this book!

This is such a dark horse of a read. It seemed so simple and unassuming at the beginning, I was lulled into it being an easy read. In the end, it actually emotionally steamrolled me.

It follows Mara who's going through the things that so many of us do. She's unexpectedly able to buy a flat but dealing with the thin walls of London. Her boyfriend Tom appears to be having a mental health crisis and isn't sure if London is the place for him. She's struggling to stay connected to her mum and her friends. Her success at work is tied to a creepy boss.

Watching Mara try to navigate it and stay above water is all too familiar. It was both painful and joyous to read her self-discovery. It's brilliantly written, an instant favourite.

Homesick is a sharp and witty story that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
This book follows Mara who sort of has things figured out and buys a flat in London with her inheritance only to find out her long term boyfriend has decided to leave London and not move in with her. This makes Mara almost become fixated on the couple upstairs who she perceives to be perfect.
The story feels very relatable and funny as well as clever and witty and it meant I couldn’t put it down!

I loved seeing Mara's journey as she moves through heartbreak and changes in her life that test and alter the course of our life's.

Homesick really struck a chord with me. It felt like the author had peered into my own experiences with first love, the sting of heartbreak, the weight of grief, the ever-present struggles with mental health, and the anxieties of growing up. The story doesn't just acknowledge these feelings, it truly explores them with a deft touch.

What really made the book come alive for me were the characters. They weren't perfect, not by a long shot, but their flaws and complexities felt real. Each character, whether they were in a main or supporting role, added something essential to Mara's journey and the overall narrative. The story unfolded at a perfect pace, keeping me engaged from beginning to end.

I especially loved the first-person perspective and Mara as our narrator. Getting inside her head, seeing her thought process, and experiencing the world through her words and mannerisms gave me such a deep understanding of her.

Homesick is more than just a story; it's a witty and insightful commentary on what it means to navigate the often-turbulent waters of adulthood.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Homesick is without a doubt my cup of tea. I'm endlessly fascinated by the complexity of human relationships and the thoughts people hold that we wouldn't normally be privy to.

Mara Mara Mara - I loved her. Her story was so beautifully told. From a woman putting everyone else's needs before her own, always biting her tongue and showing compassion even to those who don't deserve it, to a self-assured and contented soul who I cheered for.

And then there's Tom, her boyfriend. In writing about Tom's battles with his mental health, I veered between thinking he was a self-obsessed narcissist, to believing he was genuinely struggling. And I think mental illness can be a sort of reverse narcissism, where you believe you're the worse person in the world and don't deserve happiness. Refuse to allow anyone close to you for fear of infecting them with your darkness.

The dynamics of their relationship were painful at times, and wonderful at others, and it is this that makes it so hard to say goodbye. The writer captured the push and pull of a relationship so well and I think the outcome was the perfect step for Mara.

I loved everything about this book and immediately want to read it again.

This is one of those books that draws you in, and immerses you, but if you’re asked why? there’s no particular answer you can lay your hands on.
It’s not a fast paced thriller, full of plot twists and energy, but it’s well thought out, well written and draws you in.

We meet Mara, who has recently lost her Dad and has decided it’s time to move forward, so she buys a house.
We follow her as she deals with the day to day issues we’ve all experienced. From feeling alone, cut loose from the world, friendships that were once strong have somehow drifted apart & feelings of inadequacy just to name a few.
The author really brings Mara to life, with her personality, her wit, her flaws and relatability.
We can all find a bit of Mara in each of us, which I think is why I was so invested in her and her life. You can’t help but get caught up in it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will happily recommend it to everyone.

I absolutely loved Homesick. It was such a pleasure to read from beginning to end and I could not put it down. It’s not a book that’s filled with action and drama (which I don’t mean as a negative at all) and yet it is so beautifully written with real wit and sensitivity that the reader becomes completely immersed in Mara’s life. Mara herself is one of my favourite protagonists for a long time. She is immensely relatable, and I found myself rooting for her throughout all the steps of her journey as she began to find herself and realise what the word ‘home’ really means in all its forms. Mara is a young woman who comes into a bit of money and makes the decision to buy her first home. She is in a serious relationship and has a job in a library which she finds satisfying yet missing something at the same time. The story follows her as she moves to her new home and deals with challenging neighbours, it also follows the trajectory of a bump in the road of her long term relationship with a boyfriend who is struggling with his mental health and with living in London. It’s honestly just a fantastic read. Homesick is funny, astute, tender, heart wrenching and immensely genuine. Saunders is phenomenally good at writing characters with a real warmth and that you cannot help but invest in as a reader. She has gone straight onto my list of autobuy authors. Homesick is a perfect book in my opinion and I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough. It is for anyone who has ever felt lost, overwhelmed by life or confused about their life choices. Simply beautiful and a very easy five stars.

This book offers a relatable and insightful glimpse into Mara's life, covering her relationships, family dynamics, and personal growth. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about her, but as the story progressed, I really warmed up to her character. Her flaws made her feel incredibly real and human, and by the end, I couldn't help but root for her. A beautifully crafted exploration of life's messy transitions!

Homesick is a great debut novel that portrays the pressures of becoming an adult. I loved how true to life this felt. The struggles the current generation feel when becoming a homeowner, the spiralling feeling when something changes, the struggle to balance everything in life and I thought the author portrayed the battle with mental health well. I went into this one now knowing what to expect and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. I loved the journey Mara went through and learning to be alone. My only one downfall was I was hoping there would be more of a funny relationship with her housemate Jerry. However, as mentioned a great debut novel and I’m obsessed with the sunflower theme. Thanks to Harper Collins for this arc!