Hilary and David

David, a lonely elderly struggling novelist, contacts Hilary, with whom he has a friend in common, via Facebook, and an unlikely friendship develops via a series of messages. The two begin to share details of their past and current lives. Hilary is a solo mother with two children. One of the children has Down's Syndrome and the other has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Both are struggling. David, who suffers from agoraphobia, is wrestling with his sixth novel, and is under pressure from a publisher to complete it. Hilary feels the pressure of raising two young children alone, whilst also trying to complete a distance degree./Although they are on opposite sides of the world (David in London and Hilary in New Zealand), the two provide support and friendship for one another via their messages. Each shares secrets from their past./Through a series of messages, Hilary and David share their thoughts on life, the universe, men, women and everything else in between and provide companionship and advice for one another.

"Absolutely unputdownable. Once you commence reading this England-New Zealand based novel you will find yourself carried on quickly via the impelling momentum generated by all the relationship and emotional hassles the two main characters have in their distinct yet interwoven lives on two sides of the World. Well-written. Interesting. Clever. Well done, Laura Solomon." —Vaughan Rapatahana, author of the poetry collection, Home, Away, Elsewhere (2011)

"I found myself caught up in the story and read the book in one sitting." — Member, International Proverse Prize 2010 Judging Panel

"A nice one or two-day holiday read" – Helen Watson White, "Making a connection", Sunday Star Times, Auckland, New Zealand, 22 January 2012.

© 2023 Proverse Hong Kong (Audiobook): 9789888833580

Release date

Audiobook: 31 December 2023