In the midst of a mysterious environmental crisis, as London is submerged below flood waters, a woman gives birth to her first child, Z. This is a story of new motherhood in a terrifying setting: a familiar world made dangerous and unstable, its people forced to become refugees. Startlingly beautiful, The End We Start From is a gripping novel that paints an imagined future as realistic as it is frightening. And yet, though the country is falling apart around them, this family’s world – of new life and new hope – sings with love.

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‘An effective, unusual and ambitious debut, which keeps the reader pinned to the page’ – Guardian

‘A haunting dystopian tale unlike any you’ve read before. …  Poetic, precise, and surprisingly full of warmth, this is a beautiful story about the first months of motherhood and the places where hope springs, even in the darkest of times.’ – AnOther magazine

Novel Writers

Each month we invite a debut novelist to read from and talk about their work in an informal setting. Prior knowledge of the text is not essential. Topics of discussion include theme, structure, inspiration and the craft of writing. These sessions are a great way to discover new writing talent and great books. The series is a partnership with Bristol Festival of Ideas and this edition has been hosted in partnership with University of Bristol.

Megan Hunter

Megan Hunter was born in Manchester in 1984, and now lives in Cambridge. She has hitherto written poetry, and has been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize. The End We Start From is her first book.