A powerful gripping and compelling debut for 2026

Birdie has come too far to go quietly … A powerful and emotional novel inspired by the Windrush Scandal. This is a story about being told you don’t belong. This is a story about knowing you do. This is a story about Birdie.

Birdie Brown’s life is held together by family — her sharp-witted daughter Carmen, her son Scott who no one mentions, and five grandkids who keep her on her toes. Retirement is bingo nights, babysitting, and TV with her granddaughter Saffie — until a letter from the Home Office arrives.

It says she’s here illegally. That she must return to Jamaica — a country she hasn’t seen since childhood.

As the system threatens to erase her, Birdie must confront buried truths and fractured ties. Can she hold on to the life she built — and the family that built her?

'A self-assured debut …A wonderful story of family, community, and the importance of recognising people instead of categories.' Louise Hare author of This Lovely City 'A tender, powerful and emotional novel … wonderfully moving' Platinum Magazine 'A vital and emotional read' Fabulous Magazine Netgalley readers love Go Home Birdie Brown: ‘It’s heartbreaking but uplifting too, a … brave voice that deserves to be heard’ ‘This book broke my heart’ ‘An excellent book’ ‘Brilliant’