Ms Hempel Chronicles Main Edition

`If there’s a literary equivalent of “You had me at ‘Hello’,” then it certainly applies to Sarah Bynum who, in the opening paragraphs of Ms Hempel Chronicles – her second book, but the first published in the UK – grabs hold of the reader’s heart. The last debut that impressed me so instantaneously, making me slightly soppy about the characters and slightly envious of the writer’s skill, is also the one it reminds me of, Lorrie Moore’s Self Help…. Bynum’s observations are as piquant and refreshing as a squeeze of lemon – this is everyday life illuminated in a soft, flattering light… Bynum triumphs by making Ms Hempel’s pupils funny, complicated, multi-dimensional people… I wonder if there’s anyone who, on finishing this wonderful, all-too-short novel, doesn’t feel nostalgic for their own school days?’ –Scotland on Sunday

`Utterly charming.’ –Marie Claire

`Bynum has the confidence to trust her audience: there’s clarity, depth and enough space in this stillness to allow the reader’s imagination a satisfyingly free rein.’ –Independent

`Classroom scenarios are recounted with profound familiarity and you are frequently reunited with your 12-year-old self. Like a hot drink in the winter months, you won’t be able to put it down.’ –Psychologies