Our Noble Selves

The clever and compelling tale of a war-scarred journalist caught in the lives of a country rebuilding itself from one of the greatest chroniclers of our times, Kate Atkinson.

'In Our Noble Selves, Kate Atkinson proves a tender, wry guide to the eccentricities of British life as revealed in the archives.' TLS
**'**Gleefully observed — also beautifully illustrated — this novel is a hoot. The characters are terrific.' The Guardian
**'**A winning combination of clever plotting, spry pacing and an endearing cast of characters.' The Daily Mail

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It’s the summer of 1951 and everyone is looking to put the dark days of the war behind them. The government’s solution: The Festival of Britain, a celebration of the country’s creativity, grit and ingenuity.

For foreign correspondent turned war reporter Harry Flynn, it might offer the chance of redemption after a bad war in the Far East and a peace that is proving no easier to negotiate. Having failed to resume his journalistic career, he reluctantly joins an oddball team of misfits, ne’er-do-wells and downright chancers helping to ready the Festival of Britain for launch.

Flynn’s attempts to resume some semblance of a romantic life also founder when one of his dates goes missing and he is deemed to be the last person to have seen her alive. Could he have been in some way responsible for her disappearance?

Little does he realize that the answer to some of his mounting problems may lie in the hands of a precocious, straight-talking thirteen-year-old called Veronica and a rather scruffy terrier who goes by the name of Mrs Betty…

Readers love OUR NOBLE SELVES:

‘It has the lightness and humour of Behind the Scenes at the Museum, the historical depth and detail of Life After Life and a mystery worthy of Jackson Brodie’

‘Brilliant, witty, and quintessentially "Atkinson" story’

‘If you want an intelligently observed and cleverly plotted novel of intrigue, human connections and wonderful dialogue then Our Noble Selves is a winner’

‘This novel, is funny, wry, involving, informative and a delight to read. What a writer.’

‘I cannot say enough good things about this one Atkinson is at the top of her game here.’

‘A masterclass. Read it.’

‘Another absolutely joyous tale from the pen of Kate Atkinson’