There Are More Things

Book excerpt: Shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction 2022 'a serious accomplishment from a talented writer with a gloriously untethered style' Sunday Times 'there are more things is a vivid and expansive novel of sisterhood, love and connection. Reading it is a true experience of joy, and of hope' Sophie Mackintosh, author of THE WATER CURE there are more things is a novel about two women - Melissa and Catarina. Born to a well-known political family in Olinda, Brazil, Catarina grows up in the shadow of her dead aunt, Laura. Melissa, a South London native, is brought up by her mum and a crew of rebellious grandmothers. In January 2016, Melissa and Catarina meet for the first time, and, as political turmoil unfolds across Brazil and the UK, their friendship takes flight. Their story takes us across continents and generations - from the election of Lula to the London riots to the darkest years of Brazil's military dictatorship. there are more things builds on the unique voice of Yara's debut to create a sweeping novel about history, revolution and love. In it we see sisterhood and queerness, and, perhaps, glimpse a better way to live.