Why read A Private Man?

Book cover of A Private Man

Book description

Set in mid-century Rome and England, this forbidden slow-burn love story will take your breath away

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES DEBUT FICTION PRIZE
SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR FICTION

'If I had to pick a favourite from the year so far, it would be this' - Pandora Sykes
'Lush,…

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Why read it?

1 author picked A Private Man as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Jennifer Barraclough

Author

Set in Rome, England and France during the late 20th century, this unusual novel is based on the true history of the author’s grandparents. David is a dedicated young Catholic priest, sworn to celibacy. Margaret is an assertive feminist theologian. They meet and fall in love but only after prolonged soul-searching can they bring themselves to acknowledge their feelings. Eventually David leaves the priesthood, they marry and have a child. The story is told partly in flashback, after David has died and Margaret has developed dementia. A slow read, written in elegant prose, highlighting the controversies within the Catholic Church.

From Jennifer's 3 favorite reads in 2026.