With 2025 already promising to be an incredible year for publishing, we asked our booksellers at our London and Brighton bookshops which debut novels they’re most excited about in early 2025.
Original, deep and brimming with unforgettable characters, here are five must-read debuts that are set to captivate readers.
5 Debut Novels We’re Excited About in 2025
1. Fundamentally by Dr. Nussaibah Younis
Genre: General Fiction
Dr. Nussaibah Younis’s Fundamentally is an audacious and darkly comic exploration of identity, belonging, and moral complexity. Disowned by her mother and reeling from a breakup, academic Nadia takes on a UN mission in Iraq to rehabilitate women affiliated with ISIS. Amidst the chaos, she meets Sara, a bold East Londoner whose past mirrors Nadia’s own struggles with faith, family, and freedom. Their friendship is transformative, but when Sara reveals a devastating secret, Nadia faces a moral crossroads.
Written with wit, courage, and compassion, Fundamentally is a searing examination of radicalism, humanity, and the search for connection in an increasingly fractured world.
About the Author:
Dr. Nussaibah Younis is a scholar and expert in Middle Eastern politics. Her insight into the complexities of identity and belonging infuses her debut novel with authenticity and nuance.
Who Will Love This Book?
Fundamentally is perfect for readers who enjoy thought-provoking fiction that tackles complex social and moral issues, such as fans of Kamila Shamsie and Leila Aboulela.
Buy A Signed Copy Of Fundamentally
2. Bethnal Green by Amélie Skoda
Genre: Historical Fiction
Amélie Skoda paints a vivid portrait of 1970s London through the eyes of Suyin Lim, a young nurse from Penang. When Suyin’s sister mysteriously returns home, shattered and silent, Suyin must journey alone to London to build a life she barely understands. Immersing herself in the gritty yet vibrant world of Bethnal Green Hospital, she encounters the sacrifices, heartbreak, and resilience of immigrant life. This is a story about finding one’s voice and carving a path against all odds.
A tender homage to NHS workers and immigrant communities, Bethnal Green brims with humanity and hope, making it a heartfelt tribute to our unsung heroes.
About the Author:
Amélie Skoda is a French-Malaysian writer whose family history and personal experiences inspired her evocative debut novel.
Who Will Love This Book?
Fans of stories centered on resilience and identity, such as The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak, will find much to love in Bethnal Green.
Buy a signed copy of Bethnal Green
3. Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell
Genre: General Fiction
This is a gripping and emotionally charged debut novel about escape and survival. On a fateful day in Dublin, Ciara Fay decides to leave her home, fleeing with her two daughters in search of safety. With no job, limited savings, and a housing system stacked against her, Ciara must navigate an uncertain future while facing her ex-husband’s relentless attempts to pull her back.
This heart-wrenching novel, chosen as one of our PREM1ER book club choices, weaves themes of love, resilience, and the indomitable strength of motherhood. O’Donnell’s storytelling is both brutal and beautiful, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope.
About the Author:
Roisín O’Donnell is an Irish author and advocate for women’s rights. Her writing reflects her commitment to highlighting social injustices and celebrating the resilience of women.
Who Will Love This Book?
Nesting is ideal for fans of emotionally powerful stories like Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart or A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.
Buy a signed copy of Nesting Now
4. The Artist by Lucy Steeds
Genre: General Fiction and Historical Fiction
Set in the sun-drenched landscapes of 1920s Provence, The Artist by Lucy Steeds is a sumptuous tale of creativity, ambition, and secrets. Ettie has spent years silently supporting her uncle, a celebrated artist, but a visiting journalist’s arrival threatens to upend everything. As the sweltering summer unfolds, hidden truths surface, forcing Ettie to confront her desires and claim her own voice.
Lush with evocative prose and steeped in the heady atmosphere of art and ambition, The Artist is an intoxicating exploration of female agency and the legacies we leave behind.
About the Author:
Lucy Steeds is an art historian with a deep passion for storytelling. Her knowledge of artistic movements and their human dramas is reflected beautifully in her debut novel.
Who Will Love This Book?
Lovers of art, history, and character-driven narratives, particularly fans of The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles, will adore The Artist.
Buy a signed copy of The Artist
5. It Comes From the River by Rachel Bower
Genre: General Fiction and Horror
This eerie, folklore-infused debut masterfully blends horror with emotional depth. Against the backdrop of Northern England’s haunting landscapes, three women face their darkest fears and unravel the mysterious force that connects them. With its vivid atmosphere and chilling tension, this novel examines the power of community and the strength found in unity.
Brimming with resilience, hope, and an uncanny sense of place, It Comes From the River will be a big hit for those who love the powerful mixture of literary horror and folklore.
About the Author:
Rachel Bower is a poet and folklorist whose work often delves into the darker corners of human experience. Her background lends a lyrical and haunting quality to her prose.
Who Will Love This Book?
Readers who appreciate atmospheric, haunting tales like The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson or The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry will find this debut irresistible.
Buy a signed copy of It Comes From The River
Looking for something else? Explore our carefully curated selection of upcoming and new signed debut novels, and find something truly worth reading today.
