AN OBSERVER BEST DEBUT NOVEL OF 2023 WINNER OF THE 2021 #MERKY BOOKS NEW WRITERS' PRIZE'Secrets
spill and relationships sour sacrifices are made and promises are broken as plot twists
propel the narrative forward to a dramatic finale.'- The Guardian 'An assured debut from a
vital new voice. About family grief and belonging Patel weaves an intricate story that will
stay with you.' - Nikesh Shukla author of Brown Baby and The Good Immigrant Nik has lots of
questions about his late father but knows better than to ask his mother Avani. It's their
unspoken rule. When his grandfather dies Nik has the opportunity to learn about the man he
never met. Armed with a key and new knowledge about his parents' past Nik sets out to unlock
the secrets that his mother has been holding onto his whole life. As the carefully crafted
portrait Avani has painted for her son begins to crack and painful truths emerge can the two
of them find their way back to each other? The Things That We Lost is a beautifully tender
exploration of family loss and the lengths to which we go to protect the ones we love.
'Brilliant.' - Candice Brathwaite author of I Am Not Your Baby Mother and Sista Sister
'Incredibly moving this is an immersive novel focusing on grief but also love and
relationships. I fell in love with Avani and Nik characters so real I could hardly believe
they're fictional. Jyoti Patel is a hugely exciting new writer.' - Louise Hare author of This
Lovely City and Miss Aldridge Regrets 'A thoughtful meditation on family grief and the lengths
we'll go to protect the ones we love.' - Good Housekeeping 'A deftly assured debut novel about
a fractured family and how words left unspoken can be more devastating than the truth.' - Red
Magazine 'One of the best books I've read this year.' - gal-dem
