Away Weekend

A transatlantic invitation, a suave stranger, and a private jet: What could possibly go wrong over one unforgettable long weekend? When Geraldine first met Ellis at a cosmopolitan St John’s Wood drinks party, he seemed like the perfect gentleman. Tall, blue-eyed, and effortlessly charming, the American banker represented a refreshing change from her quiet, post-divorce life in London. Their budding connection - built on elegant dinners, champagne canapés in the Crush Room of the Royal Opera House, and companionable conversations - felt delightfully civilised. Then comes the ultimate offer: an invitation to fly out to Indiana for an American college football weekend. Evading the standard airport security hassle by hitching a ride on a private plane, the trip promises a glitzy, high-flying getaway. It sounds like a dream adventure - and the perfect story to casually let slip to her friends. But as the September days in America unfold, the charm begins to crack. In Away Weekend, debut novelist Lesley Fernández-Armesto crafts a witty, sharp, and deeply relatable story about the perils of traveling with people to discover who they truly are. Navigating family dynamics - from Geraldine’s robust, quiz-show-producing sister Phoebe to her ex-husband Jonty’s hilariously mundane new marriage - this book is a masterclass in modern relationships, transatlantic culture clashes, and the sudden panic of a vacation gone awry. Why Add This to Your Reading List? Transatlantic Culture Clash: Richly contrasts the quaint mews houses of London with the high-energy spectacle of midwestern American football. Witty & Sophisticated Prose: Written with a sharp eye for elite social circles, high finance, and country house vacations. Compelling Debut: The stellar first novel from seasoned writer Lesley Fernández-Armesto. Relatable Family Drama: Features a brilliant ensemble cast of eccentric sisters, ex-spouses, and unforgettable pets.