Join winner of the 2021 #Merky Books New Writers’ Prize Jyoti Patel in conversation with Mohsin Zaidi to celebrate the publication of her debut novel The Things That We Lost.

The event will initially be broadcast on 17 January at 6.30pm UK time. It will be available to view up to two weeks after the event has ended and can be accessed Worldwide. If you live in a time zone that does not suit the initial broadcast time you can watch it at any point after the initial showing for two weeks.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Nik yearns to know more about his father, who died before he was born. His mother, Avani, held hostage by her guilt surrounding his death, refuses to share any information with her son. Nik is forced to create a fragmented image of his father, pulled together from hushed whispers at family gatherings and photos stolen from his mother’s bedroom.

When his grandfather dies, secrets are revealed, and everything Nik thinks he knows about his father is turned on its head. Nik makes it his mission to discover the truth about his father and the circumstances of his death, uncovering painful truths in the process.

In conversation for this unique virtual event Jyoti and Mohsin will discuss what it means to be a person of colour in Britain today, and the stories we tell ourselves to manage our trauma. The Things That We Lost is a beautifully tender novel that explores family, loss, and the lengths we go to, to protect the ones we love. Be sure to tune in to this special event.

“An assured debut from a vital new voice. About family, grief and belonging, Patel weaves an intricate story that will stay with you.” Nikesh Shukla

“Incredibly moving, this is an immersive novel focusing on grief but also love and relationships. I fell in love with Avani and Nik, characters so real I could hardly believe they're fictional. Jyoti Patel is a hugely exciting new writer.” Louise Hare