The literary debut novel longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023 - ‘Beautiful’, R. F. Kuang

LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION

‘A mighty achievement’ OCEAN VUONG

‘Beautiful, brilliant’ R. F. KUANG

‘Dazzling’ OBSERVER

‘Will shatter your heart’ GLAMOUR

‘Powerful’ SUNDAY TIMES

An extraordinary story of the journey of one young family through love, loss and unwavering hope.

There are the goodbyes and then the fishing out of the bodies – everything in between is speculation.

One night, not long after the last American troops leave Vietnam, siblings Anh, Thanh and Minh flee their village and embark on a perilous journey in hope of a new life. Separated from their parents and fearing the worst they find themselves travelling alone in the world without a home to return to. After a twist of fate lands them in Thatcher’s Britain, they must somehow build new lives there. Will the love they have for each other be enough to keep them together?

Wandering Souls is a stunning, life-affirming testament to the healing power of stories.

A Time and Guardian book of the year

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize 2023

‘Poignant and lyrical’ DAVID NICHOLLS

‘A powerful story of courage, love and unwavering hope’ MARIE CLAIRE

‘Beautiful… I loved every word’ PHILIPPA PERRY

‘A deeply affecting reckoning with history’ i-D

‘Tells one of the most important stories of our times’ LUCY CALDWELL

‘Special … Reading it is like watching a writer at work’ NEW YORK TIMES