Description

By (author) Apps, Lucy

Short /annotation:

Gloria has a learning disability. She’snineteen, and there’s nothing to do exceptwander the local parks, look for friendshipand keep out of trouble – or go roundJack’s. Jack needs Gloria”s company, buthe’s unpredictable and angry at the world.

After an act of violence, their friendshiphas to end. Now Gloria”s on her own.

But when she hears Jack”s out of prison,her whole world is turned upside-down.

Heartbreaking and beautiful, Gloria Don’tSpeak is a deeply empathetic portrait of awoman dealing with vulnerability, violence– and the desire for connection.

Review quote:
“Lucid and beautifully observed, this story of a vulnerable person navigating the world brims with pinpoint detail and creeping threat. A brilliant and assured debut.” Simon Wroe, Chop, Chop and Ghost Month

“Gloria Don”t Speak is unflinching and full of heart; a moving story, told with uncommon tenderness, that offers a window to a life rarely found in literature.” Tom Newlands, Only Here, Only Now

Biographical note:
Lucy Apps was born in East London, trained as a doctor, and now works as a GP. She volunteers with women with learning disabilities. She is the sister of Peter Apps, whose book Show Me the Bodies (about the Grenfell tragedy) won the Orwell Prize. Gloria Don’t Speak is Lucy’s debut novel.