Quite simply, a knockout. Author Francesca Hornak’s fabulous debut, Seven Days of Us, was long listed for the Desmond Elliott Prize 2018 and my expectations were high as soon as I saw she had written another novel. Travelling between Oxford University in 2004, and a wedding in France fifteen years on, a group of friends lay bare their relationships, trampling over feelings and each other in the process. The author writes with a knowing pen, able to lift the veil behind the front people portray, and show the inner private version that is so often hidden. The story sweeps between different characters, each vibrantly authentic and able to stand alone in their own right, yet together they form the most fascinating and diverting of groups. I loved how the information builds, creating suspense, and changing the alliances I felt for the characters. A darting sense of humour provokes thoughts and often breaks the noose of tension that reigns over proceedings. The further I read, the more involved I became, I was completely invested in what happened, and couldn’t stop reading though I also didn’t want it to end. So Good to See You is beautifully intricate, oh-so clever, wise, and absolutely wonderful. Highly recommended.
2004. Serge, Rosie and Daniel are enjoying their final weeks of university. They are young, inseparable and full of optimism.
Fifteen years later, they are guests at a lavish four-day wedding in Provence - and no longer friends.
Life has not turned out quite as planned since their heady days at Oxford. Film-maker Serge is winning awards, but hiding a huge debt and a fractured relationship. Behind Rosie's social ease, she is heartbroken. And with Daniel's fame has come spiralling anxiety.
Now, with four days of organised fun ahead, all three are armed with their best conversation and brightest smile. At least everyone is following the same script: do not bring up the past. But as the Champagne flows, appearances slip and true feelings emerge.
A funny, poignant and beautifully observed examination of relationships, class, money and pretending to have it all.
'Sharp, clever, and achingly relatable' Justin Myers
Praise for Francesca Hornak: 'Warm and humane, funny and sad . . . absolute pleasure reading' Marian Keyes
'Hilarious and touching' Daily Mail
'Sharply observed' Glamour
'One of the best books of the year' Hello!
'Expertly captures the joys and the tensions of spending any time with those who know you best' i Paper
'One of the best family dramas you'll ever read' Best
Author
About Francesca Hornak
Francesca Hornak is a journalist and writer, whose work has appeared in newspapers and magazines including The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Red, Grazia and Stylist. Her column History of the World in 100 Modern Objects first appeared in The Sunday Times Style Magazine in 2013, and ran for 2 years. She lives in Islington, London and is currently working on her next book Worry with Mother.
