Bridging literary and women’s fiction, Forty One is a heartfelt debut novel from a former Financial Times journalist about growing up later in life.

Eva Holden is stuck. Middle age and a series of the same endless tasks have left her wondering where life is going and what it’s all about. Although she agreed to the ‘Plan’ – her husband working abroad for a year to obtain financial security – she feels abandoned at home with the children and unsure if the bargain is worth it. Wasn’t the point of marriage building a life together? How much money is enough?

When Eva’s ex-lover Xavier appears on the scene, he presents an all-too-easy escape. Eva wrestles with her conscience and emotional debts and doubts, but still she’s drawn in. Can she make peace with herself and her muddled history? And how will she confront bigger obstacles coming around the next corner?