What Red Was

A powerful, unforgettable story of modern love, privilege and a young woman’s journey after her life falls apart.

‘An urgent story told beautifully’ – Dolly Alderton
‘Gripping, unflinching and elegant’ – Sophie Mackintosh

A powerful, unforgettable story about modern love, privilege and a young woman’s journey after her life falls apart.

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When Kate meets Max in the first week of university, a life-changing friendship begins. Over the next four years, the two become inseparable. But loving Max means knowing his family- the wealthy Rippons, all generosity, social ease and quiet repression.

Theirs is not Kate’s world, and yet she finds herself drawn quickly into their gilded lives, and the secrets that lie beneath. Until one summer evening at the Rippons’ home, just after graduation, her life is shattered in a bedroom while a party goes on downstairs.

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An Observer Hottest-Tipped Debut Novelist and Elle One To Watch

‘Unforgettable…subversive and sophisticated’ Elle

‘Outstanding…brilliantly told’ Observer

‘A writer with a voice as fresh as new paint… Beautiful’ The Times

‘One of the most powerful debuts you’ll ever read’ Stylist

‘Scorching and original’ Sunday Times, Style

‘Dazzling… Enthralling’ Alexandra Kleeman

‘Unputdownable… A powerful and haunting tale’ Independent

‘If you like David Nicholls, Elizabeth Day, Donna Tartt…it’s exceptional’ Pandora Sykes

‘Compelling… Price’s prose glimmers’ Mail on Sunday

Author Biography

Rosie Price is the author of the highly acclaimed debut What Red Was, an Observer New Voices selection. The Orange Room is her second novel. She lives in London.