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From award-winning, bestselling writer Leah Swann comes a lyrical, powerful, dark and devastating novel. Warning: once you start reading, you won't put this novel down.
Jack Wolfe, a complicated and difficult old man, retreats to his remote shack in the Otways to grieve his wife's death in a car crash where he was the driver. Half mad with remorse, and memories of wrongs he has done to others, what he craves more than anything is forgiveness - and solitude. Instead, he meets Lotus, an exuberant yet lonely young woman who insists on trying to help him, although he's determined to keep her at bay. He doesn't want or need anyone. But late one night, when his dog starts howling, Jack discovers a shivering and wet stranger on his property. Is this man dangerous, or someone who simply needs his help? His late wife would want him to show kindness, but he can't help suspecting the man's motives. And what should he do about the unwanted friendship from Lotus? A powerfully compelling story with a spiralling, slow-burn intensity which escalates into a gut-wrenching and achingly beautiful read, Later, Only Love Remains is a story about violence, birth and death, the yearning for redemption and the endless wellspring that is love. |
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Pre-order here
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PRAISE FOR LATER, ONLY LOVE REMAINS
'Leah Swann's new work, like her gripping Sheerwater, walks the tightrope of relentlessly built suspense conveyed in language rich with imagery and lyricism. Her sure instinct for this compelling juxtaposition of darkness and tenderness - of showing what's hidden and what is forced to the surface - is breathtaking.'
Cate Kennedy, Like a House on Fire
'I already know this is my novel of the year. The writing drew me in, but the plot kept me hooked. I could not put this down. A stunning literary work with the plot of a thriller. I loved it.'
Alice Robinson, If You Go
'Leah Swann's new work, like her gripping Sheerwater, walks the tightrope of relentlessly built suspense conveyed in language rich with imagery and lyricism. Her sure instinct for this compelling juxtaposition of darkness and tenderness - of showing what's hidden and what is forced to the surface - is breathtaking.'
Cate Kennedy, Like a House on Fire
'I already know this is my novel of the year. The writing drew me in, but the plot kept me hooked. I could not put this down. A stunning literary work with the plot of a thriller. I loved it.'
Alice Robinson, If You Go
Leah Swann is an award-winning Australian writer whose work includes novels, short stories, poetry, articles and essays. Her debut novel Sheerwater (HarperCollins, 2020) became a bestseller and won the Davitt Award for Best Debut Novel in 2021. Her short story collection Bearings drew critical acclaim, and she is also the author of a fantasy trilogy. Her writing has appeared in news outlets and literary publications.
Her second novel, Later, Only Love Remains, is being published with HarperCollins in May 2026.
Her second novel, Later, Only Love Remains, is being published with HarperCollins in May 2026.
With visceral prose and a tense narrative arc that unfolds over just three days, speeding towards a dramatic conclusion .... Sheerwater is a propulsive read with an acute emotional core ... likely to hold appeal for readers of both literary and crime fiction, and fans of writers such as Emily Maguire, Emma Viskic and Sofie Laguna. Bookseller+Publisher
Sheerwater is that rare gift of a book that balances gorgeous, glittering language with breathless pace. Leah Swann writes with devastating honesty ... This is an extraordinary novel - I tore through it, captivated by the imagery and the setting, desperately hoping for a happy ending. Rebecca Starford
Leah Swann’s impressive debut novel Sheerwater packs an emotional punch both gut-wrenching, dark, and achingly beautiful. The power of this family story takes hold... from its thriller-like opening chapter and does not let go until its nail-biting and shocking conclusion. Booktopia
Davitt Award for Best Debut Novel 2021
Sheerwater is that rare gift of a book that balances gorgeous, glittering language with breathless pace. Leah Swann writes with devastating honesty ... This is an extraordinary novel - I tore through it, captivated by the imagery and the setting, desperately hoping for a happy ending. Rebecca Starford
Leah Swann’s impressive debut novel Sheerwater packs an emotional punch both gut-wrenching, dark, and achingly beautiful. The power of this family story takes hold... from its thriller-like opening chapter and does not let go until its nail-biting and shocking conclusion. Booktopia
Davitt Award for Best Debut Novel 2021
Are we slaves to destiny or architects of our own fate?Bearings is about challenging the course of our lives as well as keeping a foothold during unpredictable times.
In this affecting novella and collection of stories, Leah Swann burrows deep into the souls of her characters to reveal universal complexities, frailties and strengths.
From searching for love to coping with grief, Bearings provides a map of the human condition, deftly drawn by an exciting Australian talent with a sharp eye for instinctive behaviours and emotional truths.
In this affecting novella and collection of stories, Leah Swann burrows deep into the souls of her characters to reveal universal complexities, frailties and strengths.
From searching for love to coping with grief, Bearings provides a map of the human condition, deftly drawn by an exciting Australian talent with a sharp eye for instinctive behaviours and emotional truths.
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Swann was the inaugural first place winner of the Overland Story Wine prize for her story That Inward Eye. Her literary fiction and essays have been published in The Saturday Paper, Overland, Meanjin, The Best Australian Stories, The World To Come, Australian Love Stories, Award Winning Australian Writing, page seventeen, Review of Australian Fiction, Australian Country Style, Reflecting on Melbourne, The Herald, The Daily Liberal and Masthead.
Her much-loved fantasy series for middle grade readers, Irina: The Trilogy, was published by XOUM between 2012 and 2015, with some young readers calling it ‘the best book since Harry Potter," and The Age review saying the first adventure ‘moves from fairytale to epic fantasy, with shades of Shakespearean romance thrown in… a winning combination.”
Swann was the inaugural first place winner of the Overland Story Wine prize for her story That Inward Eye. Her literary fiction and essays have been published in The Saturday Paper, Overland, Meanjin, The Best Australian Stories, The World To Come, Australian Love Stories, Award Winning Australian Writing, page seventeen, Review of Australian Fiction, Australian Country Style, Reflecting on Melbourne, The Herald, The Daily Liberal and Masthead.
Her much-loved fantasy series for middle grade readers, Irina: The Trilogy, was published by XOUM between 2012 and 2015, with some young readers calling it ‘the best book since Harry Potter," and The Age review saying the first adventure ‘moves from fairytale to epic fantasy, with shades of Shakespearean romance thrown in… a winning combination.”
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watch the book trailer: here