Patrick Ness discusses his new novel with Viv Groskop

Novelist Patrick Ness has captivated children and adults alike with his subtle exploration of bold, challenging themes. His best-selling Chaos Walking trilogy made history, with all three books being shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. (The third and final book won.) Then A Monster Calls, his heart-wrenching portrayal of a young boy coping with his mother’s cancer, won him another Carnegie – amongst a host of other accolades. This fascinating novelist will discuss his thrilling new novel at Lutyens & Rubinstein bookshop.

Like the themes of violence and illness that shape his last books, this latest offering tackles a seemingly ‘taboo’ subject. More Than This features a homosexual relationship, which puts it in the young (and not so young) adult category. It tells the intriguing story of Seth, the teenage protagonist, who oscillates between two worlds: one where his homophobic mother and a web of blame see him spiral towards suicide; and another in which he is a bewildered survivor, piecing together his own resurrection. As Ness’s gripping prose weaves between these worlds the mystery deepens.

This sensitive and perceptive presentation of the hero’s non-conformity and dissatisfaction gives way to a universal sense of what it is to be a young. This talk is an unmissable chance to gain an insight into an intricate story and to hear an exciting and accomplished writer.