How to Belong

A tender story about finding your place in the world, about ordinary lives, belonging and being brave. The kind of book that gives you hope and courage. I loved it. * Kit de Waal *
In this insightful, thoughtful novel about a farrier and a butcher, Franklin explores the meaning of home and the importance of belonging. It's replete with gorgeous descriptions of forest life * Carys Bray *
Sarah writes intimately about the forest and the lives it sustains, exploring the human condition with forensic tenderness; we feel every step of Tessa and Jo's journeys. It's a big-hearted novel about how we learn to belong despite ourselves, and I relished every word * Shelley Harris, author of Jubilee *
This novel is perfect for anyone who has left home, returned, and found that they are a little out of place everywhere. Sarah Franklin deals sensitively and thoughtfully with her subject matter - two women adrift in places that used to be their homes - and creates an involving, thought-provoking story * Stephanie Butland *
This set up - the farrier and the butcher - is so unusual, and so engaging. I was VERY curious to see how this relationship between Jo and Tessa would unfold, and Sarah Franklin's skilful weaving of their backstories into the captivating present keeps up a constant, subtle tug of intrigue, as well as thematic poignancy. It's thoughtful, and fresh, and such a vibrant setting. The place feels completely alive - I can walk through it and practically smell those horses, that forest, the butcher's shop, the woodsmoke. And the wider community is also wonderfully colourful and alive. It's just a pleasure to read! * Lucy Atkins *
How to Belong is set in the Forest of Dean and is steeped in the spirit of the place. Such a warm and touching novel * Lissa Evans *
Life-affirming and compelling . . . Sarah Franklin is a breath of fresh air * Clare Mackintosh, on Shelter *
Its characters pulse with life and energy * Daily Mail, on Shelter *
This beautifully crafted tale of survival and solace reveals that you can find a home in the most unusual places * Sunday Express, on Shelter *
An accomplished debut from Sarah Franklin . . . with humour, warmth and a real sense of place * Daily Record, on Shelter *
Beautiful * Adele Parks, on Shelter *
Powerful and moving * Essie Fox, on Shelter *
A wonderful, affecting debut novel about the redemptive power of nature * Red, on Shelter *
Beautifully written and filled with complex, real characters, it's about hope, loss, family and dreams. Deeply profound and moving, it was also laugh-out-loud funny * Bridget Christie, on Shelter *
This atmospheric read is simply beautiful * Woman and Home *