A richly compelling story of adolescence, sexuality and the lessons we carry forever...

'An intense tale of love, life, intellectualism and passion. Inspirational' Daily Express
'Utterly compelling from first to last' Stephen Fry

Sophie, an orphan in love with learning, is sure she will thrive in Tatham's, an esteemed boarding school, having survived years of institutional living. But she soon finds herself lost among its cliques and rituals. Befriending two teenage boys, she experiences the first ache of futile love; then a teacher's inappropriate attention to one of the trio threatens to destroy them all.

Sophie swiftly realizes that there are tougher lessons to absorb outside the schoolroom - of class, sex, families and the emotional disaster they can bring to even the most privileged lives.

Insightful and full of understanding and warmth, Patrick Gale's FRIENDLY FIRE is a hugely compassionate novel of coming of age and young love.

What readers say about FRIENDLY FIRE:

'As ever, touching on important issues whilst maintaining a great sense of humour, Patrick Gale tells this story with sensitivity and warmth. I would recommend it to anybody' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'I bought all of his other books after reading this, and am hooked on this author' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'There so much packed into this book, Snobbery, the easy easy cruelty of the young, and an ultimate shock. I won't give away the details but it's another blockbuster from Patrick Gale. I loved it' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Utterly compelling from first to last -- Stephen Fry
An intense tale of love, life, intellectualism and passion. Inspirational * Daily Express *
Friendly Fire is another triumph for Gale. It is part of an oeuvre which looks ever more formidable * Independent *
A classic tale of subversion * Sunday Times *
Patrick Gale is a writer who has always seemed particularly well-attuned to the assorted agonies and ecstasies of childhood . . . the emotions ring true * Daily Mail *

Patrick Gale was born on the Isle of Wight and now lives on a farm near Land's End. One of this country's best-loved novelists, his most recent works are A Place Called Winter, Take Nothing With You and Mother's Boy. His BBC 'Queer Britannia' television drama, Man In An Orange Shirt, was shown to great acclaim in 2017 and won an International Emmy Award.