How to Leave the House
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
How to Leave the House marks the 2024 debut novel of British writer Nathan Newman. The story centers on a young man who encounters various inhabitants of a Midlands town during his search for a lost package. The book was released by Little, Brown in the United Kingdom and by Viking Penguin in the United States.
Background
While enrolled at New York University, Newman wrote the novel remotely, guided by mentor Zadie Smith. Before its release, television adaptation rights were sold to Fremantle after a highly competitive bidding process.
Plot summary
The narrative of How to Leave the House follows 23-year-old NatWest as he navigates a Midlands town in pursuit of a missing package prior to departing for university. The story shifts between NatWest’s viewpoint and those of several local characters, including a dentist fixated on painting mouths, an Imam involved in a complicated relationship with a Vicar, a teacher recovering from cancer, and a politically conscious teenage girl.
Reception
In a review for The New York Times, critic Bobby Finger applauds Newman’s "daring two-part finale" and his talent for merging sharp analysis with elements of absurdity. The Washington Post also praises the debut for its original, witty, and thoughtful depiction of contemporary life. Rob Merrill, writing for The Associated Press, identifies Newman as "a courageous new voice" offering meaningful insights into the experiences of the emerging generation.