Learning To Swim

A modern Brideshead Revisited set in the perfectly portrayed microcosm of the London suburbs, this coming of age novel won the 1999 Parker Romantic Novel of the Year award. A must-read book from the author of In a Good Light, perfect for fans of bestselling authors Kate Atkinson and Katie Fforde.

Abigail Jex never expected to see any of the Radley household again, and thought that she'd banished the ghost of her life with them, and the catastrophe that ended it, but thirteen years later, a chance encounter forces her to acknowledge that the spell is far from broken.

From the highly-acclaimed author of SMALL PLEASURES - winner of the 2022 British Book Awards Page-Turner

Abigail Jex never expected to see any of the Radley household again.

The Radley's were extraordinary, captivating creatures transplanted from a bohemian corner of North London to outer suburbia, and the young Abigail found herself drawn into their magic circle: the eccentric Frances, her new best friend; Frances' mother, the liberated, headstrong Lexi; and of course the brilliant, beautiful Rad.

Abigail thought she'd banished the ghost of her life with them and the catastrophe that ended it, but thirteen years later a chance encounter forces her to acknowledge that the spell is far from broken...


Praise for Clare Chambers:

'Modern, intelligently observed and highly original' Daily Mail

'This delicious novel is a joy from beginning to end - a perfect novel' Lisa Jewell

'Charming - A funny and moving story with a great deal of style' Sunday Telegraph

'A spirited account of growing up and falling in love' Good Housekeeping

'An intelligent and escapist read - well written, and very funny' Daily Express