Joanna Glen, Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly

Joanna Glen, author of the Costa Prize shortlisted debut, The Other Half of Augusta Hope, explores her latest novel.

Two introverts with turbulent pasts and wary hearts take individual comfort in swimming in the ocean, birdwatching, books and the sounds of the sea. Sol and Addie are both drawn to nature far more than to people – until they catch sight of one another in the wild. Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly is a beautifully observed and life-affirming story about finding yourself, and then allowing someone else to find you.

This event will include an audience Q&A. After the event there will be an opportunity to get your book signed by the author.

Part of our special day of events at Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, under the banner of Restless Brilliance. Linking up with the J.A. Baker exhibition of the same name, (Chelmsford Museum: 23 Mar-3 Nov) we will be focussing on all things nature and ornithology.

Sunday 16 June, 3.00pm

Venue: Hylands Estate, London Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ
Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions (Students, Under 27s and Unwaged)
Box Office: essexbookfestival.org.uk or Mercury Theatre 01206 573948

Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly by Joanna Glen

Published 20 June 2024 (Borough Press)

Order a copy of Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly at bookshop.org

The new novel from the author of the Costa Prize shortlisted debut, The Other Half of Augusta Hope and All My Mothers.

On the tiny island of Rokesby, Addie helps her mother run a women’s retreat. Dreaming daily of escape, she consoles herself by swimming in the ocean that surrounds them. On the neighbouring island, joined to Rokesby by a bridge at low tide, Sol has sought refuge at a wind-swept prayer house, grieving both his mother’s death and his father’s devastating betrayal. Alone and anxious, he takes comfort in birdwatching, books and the sounds of the sea.

Introverts with turbulent pasts and wary hearts, Sol and Addie are both drawn to nature far more than to people – until they catch sight of one another in the wild. Can they break free from past lessons in love to risk a better future together?

A beautifully observed and life-affirming novel about finding yourself, and then allowing someone else to find you.

‘I loved it… a love story for realists… This is a book that knows that life’s biggest questions are answered in its smallest moments and – if we are lucky – life doesn’t always take our first answer’ – Gráinne Murphy

About the Author

Joanna Glen read Spanish at the University of London, with a stint at the Faculty of Arts at Córdoba University in the south of Spain. She went on to teach Spanish and English to all ages, and, latterly, was a School Principal in London. She has edited a variety of non-fiction books, is a visiting lecturer, a communications coach and an adviser and trainer for schools. Joanna’s short fiction has appeared in the Bath Flash Fiction Anthology. She lives with her husband in Hove, returning to Andalusia whenever it gets too grey.

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@BoroughPress @JoannaGlenBooks

Photo of Joanna Glen © Eva Tarnok