Frances and Bernard

'The story of bright young things Bernard Eliot (an aspiring poet) and Frances Reardon (a wannabe novelist) who meet on a writing course and begin a passionate correspondence in prose. Set against the evocative backdrop of 1950s New York, their musings – which start out quick and witty – grow in confidence and intelligence, and before they know it they are inking their hearts out onto the page. This sparky novel will make you want to permanently delete WhatsApp and go back to basics.' - Stylist, Top 10 must-reads of April

'A story of conversion, shattered love and the loss of faith, recalling 20th-century masters like Graham Greene and Walker Percy… Bauer is a distinctive stylist who can write about Simone Weil or Kierkegaard with wit and charm. A fresh voice thinking seriously about what a religiously committed life might have felt like and perhaps, in our own far-from tranquil period, might feel like again' New York Times Book Review

'Its central characters’ charm and intelligence make them irresistible company' Daily Mail

Two writers, one friendship, and an unforgettable correspondence. A glittering, smart and sassy debut of love, literature and letter writing.