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Published: 27 May 2025
ISBN: 9781804991886
Imprint: Penguin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
RRP: $26.00

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Cuckoo

Nell Frizzell

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Mighty Ape

A sharply funny and well-observed novel about an unconventional family from the award-winning writer, journalist and podcaster, Nell Frizzell.

After Nancy’s father dies, she is faced with two life-changing revelations.

One: She has a half-brother she knew nothing about.

Nancy’s world is punched inside out at the discovery of a mysterious new sibling. But she can’t help but feel curious about Oliver, this stranger who shares her DNA. Her sister Rita, on the other hand, is furious and wants nothing to do with their ‘cuckoo’ brother.

Two: She’s pregnant.

The father – Nancy’s not-quite-boyfriend from her not-quite-relationship – doesn’t want to commit any time soon. He isn’t even in the same continent as her right now. And with her mother and sister in shock about Oliver, Nancy’s struggling to find someone to turn to for support.

In a tumult of grief, fear and hope, Nancy pushes herself into an uncertain future as she rethinks what really makes a family. But there’s one more thought in the back of her head…

Is there space in her family for two more?

Published: 27 May 2025
ISBN: 9781804991886
Imprint: Penguin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
RRP: $26.00

Categories:

About the author

Nell Frizzell

Nell Frizzell is a journalist, writer and Vogue columnist. She has written for The Guardian, VICE, The Telegraph, Elle, The Observer, Grazia, I-D among many others. Her first book The Panic Years is an exploration of bodies, babies and the big questions facing modern life.

Also by Nell Frizzell

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Praise for Cuckoo

Cuckoo is so warm, tender and beautiful . . . This is a spellbinding story about love, families and what makes us truly grow up. I adored it
Daisy Buchanan

This was stunning . . . a really different kind of 'found family' novel. I was so invested in the characters by the end that I kept picking up the book again to see if there was any more
Lauren Bravo

Smart and funny, it had me from page one
Meg Mason

Nell has that special ability to write about the most true, most slippery parts of life in a deliciously frank, simple and frequently hilarious way - she'll make you laugh, cry and think
Alice Vincent

Nell Frizzell is one of our funniest and most observant writers - how lucky we are to have her
Kat Brown

The wondrous Nell Frizzell does 'when ancestry,com goes wrong' (great premise) with very entertaining weird family results
Amy Liptrot

Reliably compelling, always insightful and very entertaining writing from the wonderful Nell Frizzell
Clover Stroud

Funny and full of life and ideas, reading Nell Frizzell is like meeting a new friend
Josie Long

Carefully observed and sensitively described . . . poignant
Financial Times

A frank and funny exploration of family
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