The stunning new literary love story from the prize-acclaimed author of Sunburn and Heap Earth Upon It

It’s the turn of the millennium, and Meadhbh has just moved to London from rural Ireland.

By chance she meets Aly, who lives off her parents’ wealth while studying for yet another master’s degree.

They meet at a party and fall instantly and madly in love, spending a lustful summer playing at domesticity and driving around the city in Aly’s vintage Capri.

They expect the spell to break, but instead fall deeper for each other, eventually swapping city life for rural Ireland with two babies in tow.

But then the recession hits, and their glorious bubble shatters.

Everyone talks about meeting the love of your life.

But what happens when you fear losing them?

Exploring class, queerness, family and home, Aftertaste is a searing and unforgettable story about whether love really can conquer all.

Praise for Chloe Michelle Howarth:

** Shortlisted for the 2023 Nero Book Award for Debut Fiction **
** Shortlisted for the 2024 Book of the Year: Discover Award by the British Book Awards **
** Shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize 2024 **
** Longlisted for the Diverse Book Awards 2024 **
‘A deeply moving, heartfelt love story’ Daily Mail
'Deeply affecting, will haunt you' Lucy Rose
‘A tender and heartfelt coming-of-age tale’ Heat
'Airless and gripping... A devastating mix of hope and heartbreak, from one of Ireland's most exciting queer voices' Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin

© Chloe Michelle Howarth 2027 (P) Penguin Audio 2027