Once in a House on Fire

A lauded contemporary classic of the memoir form: devastatingly powerful, moving and uplifting.

Winner of the Somerset Maugham Award

‘Strong and admirable’ – Hilary Mantel
‘Full of energy’ – Blake Morrison

When our stepfather staggered home reeking of whisky, ceramic hit the wall. We got used to the smash and the next-day stain, but eventually the wallpaper began to fade . . .

It is 1970s Manchester, and for Andrea Ashworth, home is not a place of comfort and solace, but of violence and fear. Her father died when she was five, leaving her family to battle with poverty, abuse and the long shadow of depression. But as she comes of age, Andrea looks beyond the walls of her home, to literature and learning, and finds there the courage to rise . . .

Written with eye-opening honesty, rare beauty and intense power, Once in a House on Fire is a groundbreaking memoir, endearing in its humour and compassion, and life-affirming in its portrait of terrible circumstances triumphantly overcome.

‘Enchanting and thrilling . . . extremely moving . . . and gratifyingly, very funny’ – The Times

Part of the Picador Collection, showcasing the best of modern literature.