Novel set in ROME, WEST MIDLANDS and FRANCE

3rd September 2026

A Private Man by Stephanie Sy-Quia, novel set in Rome, West Midlands and France.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES DEBUT FICTION PRIZE
SHORTLISED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR FICTION

This is a beautifully written story that explores the lives of two people – Margaret and David – and how their decision to be together had a ripple effect across their social lives and their families.

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David has chosen to become a priest in the Catholic church, a career for which he had been destined very early on in his life. He has the support of his family, and the trajectory of his life is – in theory – established. Margaret wants to delve deeper into the religion and gets herself to Rome, where she studies and teaches and takes her place within a community of nuns. Rome is buzzing with ecumenical fever in the mid ’50/60s and as a young woman, she has the chance to imbibe the ambience of the city and explore her own feelings. Rome, particularly, really comes alive in the author’s capable hands.

The two teach alongside each other and their friendship burgeons into something that feels special. It proves a comfort for each other once they are back in England, although their closeness causes some consternation; and then, of course, it bubbles over into something more and the end of David’s career is imminent. They are then exiled.

Adrian is a grandchild in the here and now, trying to care for his grandmother, Margaret, in France and the true nature of his grandparents’ relationship is revelatory. His own mother lives on the West Coast of America and occasionallyy breezes in.

This is not a linear story, yet so much richer for the involving style that moves around through time and place. It is a tender story of love and family, with a languorous pace so that the reader can enjoy the writing and gifted storytelling. A sultry, eloquent and transportive read.

This is a TRIPFICTION RECOMMENDED READ.

Tina for the TripFiction Team

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