When I Ran Away

A powerful and compassionately told story of loss, grief, love and motherhood * Daily Mail *An incredibly raw and unflinching debut that will stop you in your tracks * Heat, 4* review *Loss, grief, love and motherhood: this has it all, plus lots of sassy humour * The i *A thematic companion to Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age, Bannister’s novel is a searing insight into the complexities of motherhood and the interminable frustration of the tiny needs, musts, and wants that keep a family moving. A gripping, introspective read * Booklist *A profoundly moving story showing the redemptive power of love and acceptance - of friends, family and also of ourselves. Smart, brave and often very funny … I was captivated – Sarah Haywood, author of The CactusIllona Bannister is the best friend every new mother wants-the one who tells you it’s OK to fall apart and the one who makes you laugh until you get back up again. This first novel is a wise, big-hearted, triumphant story of marriage and motherhood – Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lies that BindA beautiful and unflinching story of loss, motherhood and love in all its forms. Both heartbreaking and funny, Bannister perfectly captures the brilliant darkness of existing. I adored this brave debut. – Ella Berman, bestselling author of The ComebackThis book ripped me open and stared right inside of me. I have never read words that described so perfectly so many of the feelings I’ve had (and still have) – Mia Vaughan @cigarettesandcalpolThe most perceptive and engaging story about motherhood that I’ve read – Tillylovesbooks via TwitterGigi is sharp and funny and endearing * Kirkus Reviews *A big-hearted novel, beautifully written and riven with a rich seam of humour * Yorkshire Living *Bannister’s emotionally raw debut offers an unflinching glimpse of new motherhood * Publisher’s Weekly *

Ilona Bannister was a dual qualified US attorney and UK immigration solicitor before she started writing fiction. Her first novel, When I Ran Away, was developed on Faber Academy’s Work in Progress course. Ilona’s experiences as a mother, lawyer, and an American transplant in Britain are reflected in her novels. Although she will always be a New Yorker at heart, Ilona’s home is in London with her husband and young sons.

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