Susan Bliss is torn between two lives. Her husband Alcott has decided only one will be remembered.

'A magnificent debut' CLARE LESLIE HALL, author of BROKEN COUNTRY

'Intelligent and very moving' ROSIE PRICE, author of WHAT RED WAS

'A truly sublime novel' HANNAH BEER, author of I MAKE MY OWN FUN

'Delivers heartache, euphoria and the unfathomable puzzle of family with singular brilliance' SIERRA GREER, author of ANNIE BOT

It's the 1990s.

Susan Bliss is trying to make it all work. Her growing stardom in L.A., where she's a regular on one of the nation's favourite daytime TV soaps. And her less lauded role in New England, where she's wife to a history professor and raising young twins.

It's the 2000s.

Susan Bliss died tragically young, and Viola and Sebastian have little idea of their mother's fame.

But the past can't stay hidden forever, and as the teenaged twins pursue the secrets their mother left behind, they spin off in different directions. Sebastian plunges down an investigative rabbit hole. Viola falls for the movie star Orson Grey, who was once her mother's co-star.

Obsession, ambition, love, pain, wonder, mystery. Every family has its dramas. But what happens when someone else tells your story?

Perfect for fans of Maggie O'Farrell, Ann Napolitano or Claire Lombardo, Family Drama is an exquisite debut novel about the fantasies we create and the people we become.

What early readers are saying about Family Drama...

'EXQUISITE! ... I can't wait to read this again and discuss it with my book clubs'

'A soap star mom living a double life ... This book is fully of messy families, complicated women and just enough drama to keep things juicy!'

'A love story that has so many obstacles'

'Nostalgic, poetic ... each storyline came back around in a circle'

'This book was written like a work of art'

'I loved it'

'Wow. That was a hell of a debut ... Her commentary on life, love and legacy felt thought-provoking and impactful'

'The writing in this novel pulls you in and the characters keep you there'

'Weaves together moments of heartbreak with scenes of high drama'

'A family drama that will pull you in from the beginning'

Why booksellers love this book...

'One of the most moving books I've read in a long time ... It's extraordinary when a debut novel is this good about family drama!'

'I cried for the lost childhoods, the struggle to find a middle ground. Please read this so we can talk'

'A story of sibling love, loss, and the cost of following your dreams ... and all the drama that the title promises, this novel is a must-add for book club calendars'

Format Häftad Omfång 320 sidor Språk Engelska Förlag Harper Collins UK Utgivningsdatum 2026-01-15 ISBN 9780008738310