This, My Second Life

The powerful and moving new literary debut set in Cornwall in which a young man comes to terms with a life-changing injury. Perfect for fans of Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, Elaine Feeney’s How To Build A Boat and The Offing by Ben Myers.

'A remarkable debut novel’ Patrick Gale, bestselling author of Take Nothing With You

'A moving must-read’ Jennie Godfrey, bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things

‘Beautiful … it is as finely wrought as poetry' Guardian

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After a near-death experience, twenty-year-old Jago Trevarno retreats to his uncle’s off-grid coastal farm in West Cornwall, a place where time has stood still. Light comes from oil lamps and candles, hot water from the stove.

Away from the rush of modern life, Jago immerses himself in the natural world. Under his uncle’s gentle guidance, he falls into the rhythms of the land: tending the animals, harvesting vegetables, and riding horseback along the winding lanes.

In this meditative existence, Jago’s perspective opens. Slowed down by the illness that brought him here, he begins to see the world afresh and to find a fragile yet powerful sense of renewal.

But even remote farms have neighbours, and when the shadow of local villain Bill Sligo falls across the Trevarno farm, Jago must act to protect this, his second life.

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Praise for This, My Second Life:

‘Thrilling and tender, I enjoyed every word' Julie Myerson

'Beautifully written, authentic and deeply affecting' Daily Mail

'An unexpectedly life affirming story woven into the fabric of a thriller' Esther Freud

‘[A] powerful debut novel...Charnley has created his own world in this impressive debut, and it possesses its own unique magic’ Telegraph

'Deceptively simple yet completely compulsive' Gill Hornby

'An intense and unexpected debut. A beautiful piece of writing' Amanda Craig

'A hypnotic read, gentle, generous and compelling’ Mail on Sunday

'Beautifully written, poignant, moving and emotional' 5-star reader review

'So profound and thought-provoking' 5-star reader review

'An exceptional story' 5-star reader review