The Things That We Lost
by Jyoti Patel
Nik has lots of questions about his late father but knows better than to ask his mother, Avani. It’s their unspoken rule.
When his grandfather dies, Nik has the opportunity to learn about the man he never met. Armed with a key and new knowledge about his parents’ past, Nik sets out to unlock the secrets that his mother has been holding onto his whole life.
As the carefully crafted portrait Avani has painted for her son begins to crack, and painful truths emerge, can the two of them find their way back to each other?
THE THINGS THAT WE LOST is a beautifully tender exploration of family, loss and the lengths to which we go to protect the ones we love.
“Incredibly moving, this is an immersive novel focusing on grief but also love and relationships. I fell in love with Avani and Nik, characters so real I could hardly believe they’re fictional. Jyoti Patel is a hugely exciting new writer.” - Louise Hare, author of THIS LOVELY CITY and MISS ALDRIDGE REGRETS
“An assured debut from a vital new voice. About family, grief and belonging, Patel weaves an intricate story that will stay with you.” - Nikesh Shukla, author of BROWN BABY and THE GOOD IMMIGRANT
"Brilliant." - Candice Brathwaite
“Effortlessly weaving intricate intergenerational stories across time, Jyoti has written a poignant debut.” - Christian Adofo
"Incredible." - Guz Kahn
“This is a big book, full of assured and affecting writing. Secrets spill and relationships sour, sacrifices are made and promises are broken, as plot twists propel the narrative forward to a dramatic finale.” - Sana Goyal, The Guardian
"A delicate and empathetic debut." - The Observer, 'Meet The 10 Best New Novelists for 2023'
“Patel’s novel revolves around the lingering trauma of bereavement and shows the lengths we go to protect those closest to us. Sensitively written with a deep, emotional undercurrent.” - Mr Porter, ‘Books to look forward to 2023’
“The debut novel from 2021 Merky Books New Writers Prize winner Jyoti Patel is one of the best books I’ve read this year. THE THINGS THAT WE LOST is an achingly tender and heartfelt exploration of family, loss, and the lengths to which we go to protect the ones we love…The intricacies of family dynamics, grief, and intergenerational secrets are deftly and sensitively explored in this multi-layered tale.” - Gal-Dem
“An invigorating narrative centred around family, loss and protection.”
- The Handbook
“The winner of the Merky Books New Writers’ Prize, Jyoti Patel uncovers family secrets in her tender debut novel.” - i-D Look Aheads
“The debut novel from 2021 Merky Books New Writers’ Prize winner Jyoti may be one of the best books you read this year. THE THINGS THAT WE LOST is an achingly tender and heartfelt exploration of family, loss, and the lengths to which we go to protect the ones we love… Jyoti Patel is an exciting new writer, deftly exploring deep family intricacies, love and grief in equal measure.” - Platinum Magazine, ‘10 Books You Will Love in 2023’
“THE THINGS THAT WE LOST, Jyoti Patel’s debut novel, is a deeply reflective, searching depiction of grief.” - Rebeea Saleem, The Times Literary Supplement