Author: Fran LittlewoodModern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)Published on 18 June 2026 by Penguin Books Ltd in the United Kingdom.Paperback | 416 pages128 x 198 x 38 | 290g The unmissable novel from Fran Littlewood, the New York Times bestselling author of Read With Jenna pick Amazing Grace Adams - available to pre-order in paperback!–AS FEATURED ON BBC RADIO 4 WOMAN'S HOUR A STYLIST MUST-READ BOOK OF 2025A SUNDAY TIMES ‘STUFF EVERYONE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT’ PICKAN OPRAH BEST SUMMER BOOKS TO READA PEOPLE MAGAZINE MOST ANTICIPATED SUMMER BOOKA BARNES & NOBLE BEST PAPERBACK JUNE 2026–'FABULOUS . . . God, I wish I had written it. Funny, dark, fascinating and UTTERLY convincing. On my QWJ (Queasy With Jealousy) Scale, I award it 16/10' MARIAN KEYES'Once I picked up The Favourite, I did not want to put it down until the last page was turned' LOTTIE HAZELL, author of Piglet‘Wonderful and very funny. You're in for such a treat’ GEORGINA MOORE, author of The Garnett Girls'Excellent. A detailed and fascinating look at the effects of sibling order in families and what it feels like to think your parent has a favourite child' STYLIST'Tender, funny and truthful , Littlewood's tale reveals long-held secrets, chronicles treacherous inner thoughts, and revels in the sweet , spiky nature of sisterhood' MAIL ON SUNDAY'A powerful and emotional tale, rich in nuance, exploring loyalty, truth and the fragile nature of love' WOMAN'S WEEKLY–The Fisher family are on holiday . . .Mum, Dad. And their three grown-up daughters– Alex, Nancy and Eva – plus their young families.Sisters with differences, yes –but these are quickly glossed over.This is not a family of secrets, lies or even half-truths.Or so they tell themselves.Right up until Dad accidentally drops a bombshell:he has a favourite . . .And suddenly everything unravels.All the secrets. All the lies. The not even half-truths.But might it take coming apart to bring this family back together?PRAISE FOR THE FAVOURITE‘You’ll be captivated by the well-drawn characters’ GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'So sharp, funny, pacey and incredibly well-observed. I loved it' REBECCA WAIT, author of I'm Sorry You Feel That Way'Fabulous - funny and brilliantly claustrophobic on family dynamics' LAUREN BRAVO, author of Preloved'Fran Littlewood has the incredible ability to write like she's been observing you and your family for years' ORE AGBAJE-WILLIAMS, author of The Three of Us'Sizzles with familial tension . . . Heartbreaking, candid and witty' JUSTIN MYERS'Brilliantly funny, dark, insightful, wildly satisfying' NATASHA POLISZCZUK'Has a cinematic quality . . . Every moment feels alive. Full of tender moments and thoughtful insights, The Favourite will be a favourite of readers, perfect with those with imperfect families - which is to say, all of us' SHELF AWARENESS ‘What makes this sibling dramedy so delectable is Littlewood’s writing . . . All the nuances of sisterhood, daughterhood, wifehood, motherhood, divorcehood, and more are illuminated by this tale of spilled wine, slapped faces, and enduring family love.’ OPRAH DAILY
