"Tackling topics of queer identity teenage angst and religious guilt this romantic novel
burns with the intensity and yearning of first love." — Harper's Bazaar THE INDIE BESTSELLER
with additional exclusive content inside. For fans of Normal People a queer coming-of-age
debut of impossible first love first loss and first heartbreak… It’s the early 1990’s in
the small town of Crossmore Ireland and Lucy knows what she’s expected to do. Fall in love
with the son of the farmer next door marry him pray for children and never under any
circumstances reveal the truth–that she doesn’t think marriage or motherhood or staying in
Crossmore is for her. That the reason she knows this is because of her close friend Susannah.
For years Lucy buries her obsession until one summer right before graduation when her
friendship with Susannah escalates. Now Lucy will do anything to keep their secret safe. Their
relationship is both the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to her–Lucy loves Susannah
but every day it feels like Crossmore Lucy’s mother and their social mores are closing in.
And when Susannah decides she no longer wants to hide Lucy must make a devastating choice.
Tender and heartbreaking Sunburn portrays the realities of growing up in a small rural
town–from the long hot summers to the pressures of a conservative traditional community
where everyone knows each other’s business. It’ll leave you aching for your own first love.
