Sometimes, the friend you need is the one you never saw coming.

'A lovely feel-good treat' The Times | 'Simply perfect' Daily Mirror | 'Hilariously funny... and beneath it all really quite lovely' The Metro | Brilliant, just brilliant' Huffington Post

Frank and Red are a mess.

Frank is a grumpy old curmudgeon. A recluse whose only company is the 'ghost' of his dead wife, Marcie. He is estranged from his friends, his son, and the ever-changing world beyond his front gate.

And then Red moves in next door.

Red is six. A boy struggling to adjust to the separation of his mum and dad, a new school, and the demonic school bully. Red is curious, smart, he never stops talking, and he's got a trampoline.
From the moment Red's blonde mop appears over the top of the fence that divides their two gardens, the unlikeliest of friendships is born.

. . . And it is a friendship that will change both of their lives forever.


Reader reviews:

'Best book of the year!'

'A fantastic debut'

'Stunningly well-written, warm hearted, incredibly funny and moving story'

'A beautifully written, warm and empathic read'