Mrs S

Mrs S by K Patrick is an evocative and sensual debut novel that explores the complexities of forbidden love and desire. Set against the backdrop of an elite English boarding school during a sweltering heatwave summer, this novel tells the story of a young Australian woman who assumes the antiquated role of 'matron'. A stranger in this world of tradition and strict social codes, she finds herself drawn to Mrs S, the headmaster’s wife - a woman who epitomises poise, sophistication, and classical femininity.

As the summer progresses, the matron and Mrs S navigate the delicate dance of unspoken longing, their attraction simmering just beneath the surface. With each passing day, the boundaries of their worlds blur, leading them to an inevitable, intense affair laden with both passion and risk. The heatwave mirrors their escalating emotions, a backdrop to their secret, clandestine encounters. But as the seasons change and the oppressive heat gives way to the inevitable passing of time, both women must confront the harsh reality of their situation and the impossible choices that lie ahead.

Recognized as an Observer Best Debut of the Year, Granta Best Young British Novelist, and a Guardian Essential Summer Read, Mrs S has garnered praise from critics and readers alike. Monica Heisey describes it as "exhilarating," while Andrea Lawlor hails it as "astonishing". According to Julia Armfield, "I loved this book", and Charlotte Mendelson praises it as "wildly sexy... I kept forgetting to exhale". Sarah Winman calls it "rare and thrilling," and Jessie Burton labels it "moody, generous and brilliant".

The novel’s rich narrative and character development have also been celebrated. The Telegraph notes that "desire crackles through these pages like fire," and The Times asserts, "there’s nothing else like it out there". The Observer commends it as "compulsively readable… beautiful, brilliant," making it clear why Mrs S is a standout debut novel.

Prepare to be captivated by this scorching tale of forbidden love, a story that is sure to linger in your mind long after the last page is turned. A must-read for anyone looking to lose themselves in a narrative of intense passion and unspoken desires, Mrs S should be on everyone’s summer reading list.