The House of Journalists

Tim’s acclaimed debut novel, The House of Journalists, was published in 2013 by Jonathan Cape and Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

The House of Journalists

Tim’s acclaimed debut novel, The House of Journalists, was published in 2013 by Jonathan Cape and Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

Copies of The House of Journalists in a book shop

A fashionable house in a London terrace, the House of Journalists is renowned around the world as a place of refuge for exiled writers who have fallen foul of oppressive regimes.

Run by Julian Snowman, successful writer and broadcaster, its fellows include the newspaper editor Mr Stan whose hands were smashed with hammers; a journalist called Mustapha who spoke out vainly against a brutal coup (and got his name from an immigration officer who tells him he ‘Must ‘ave a name’); Agnes, a young photojournalist who recorded her country’s descent into civil war; and Sonny, who endured a harrowing journey to safety. Only one man guards his story: the new fellow, AA.

Copies of The House of Journalists in a book shop

A fashionable house in a London terrace, the House of Journalists is renowned around the world as a place of refuge for exiled writers who have fallen foul of oppressive regimes.

Run by Julian Snowman, successful writer and broadcaster, its fellows include the newspaper editor Mr Stan whose hands were smashed with hammers; a journalist called Mustapha who spoke out vainly against a brutal coup (and got his name from an immigration officer who tells him he ‘Must ‘ave a name’); Agnes, a young photojournalist who recorded her country’s descent into civil war; and Sonny, who endured a harrowing journey to safety. Only one man guards his story: the new fellow, AA.

Reviews

“It’s an astonishingly good book… There are thoughts here on human rights and the loneliness of those expelled from home, but this serious backbone is wrapped in good stories, humour and tenderness.” (Emerald Street)

“Efficient and engaging.” (The Skinny)

“A strange but oddly effective mixture of often-light comedy and often-brutal reportage from the front line against tyranny.” (Harry Ritchie Daily Mail)

“A savagely funny broadside aimed at the industry of suffering… The former journalist now working for a think tank is authoritative on his subject matter but also irreverently amusing when it comes to sacred cows in this delightfully unusual novel.” (Siobhan Murphy Metro)

“Ambitious debut novel, a black-hued satire about asylum-seekers.” (Olivia Laing New Statesman)  Read the full review

“A clever debut novel.” (New York Times)  Read the full review

“This remarkable first novel… Satiric, tough and very funny.” (Kirkus)  Read the full review

First Book Award 2013 - live event
The front cover of The House of Journalists
First Book Award 2013 - live event
The front cover of The House of Journalists
Amazon link