Love & Fallout

Kathryn Simmonds’ first book of poetry ‘Sunday at the Skin Launderette’ won the Forward Prize for best first collection in 2008. She is a graduate of the Creative Writing MA at the University of East Anglia. Love and Fallout is her first novel and was a finalist in the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize before it was published. In 2013-14 she was the first poet-in-residence at the Charles Causley Trust in Launceston, Cornwall.

'Engrossing and engaging. This is a funny and acutely observed book about an often overlooked moment in history. The expectations women have of themselves and each other are exposed in Simmonds' wry story of friendship and loss.' - Catherine O'Flynn A blast from the past - beautifully told - Maureen Lipman Kathryn Simmonds draws us effortlessly into the world of Greenham Common, and the result is unexpected, and compelling. Love, sisterhood, guilt and grief - she understands them all. I read it in a single sitting.' - Francesca Segal, author of The Innocents This is a really good read and a reminder of Greenham Common at a time when the world is again risking nuclear confrontation. It's also the story of waning love and the challenge of maturity. - Clare Short A fantastic debut, captivating, funny, brilliantly observed and a great read. -Bookgroup.info A tale of love and loss - engrossing and compelling. - The Lady This novel transported me and I have vowed to buy a number of copies of Love and Fallout to send to old associates to see if it works its restorative magic and reacquaints me with lost friends too. - Wales Arts Review There's a real sense of authenticity as the formative experiences of youth shape family and relationships. Great character observations; sometimes excruciating, often heartbreakingly sad, frequently funny. - Which Book