Chosen Family by Madeleine Gray

Chosen Family : The unforgettable new novel from the author of Green Dot
 
Available for Pre-Order. Publishes 29 Jan 2026
 
Books about friendship are not often described as love stories, but this is one.

At the age of twelve, Nell has accepted that hers will likely be a friendless existence. She’s not interested in boys or makeup or competing to see who can eat the least – so fitting in at her all-girls’ school feels impossible. 

But then, a new girl arrives at school.

Eve has short hair like a boy, a wicked sense of humour and an unshakable confidence that she will find her place in the world. The moment they meet, Nell begins to rethink the whole friendless existence thing. 

As they grow into themselves, Nell and Eve will love each other and hurt each other – through the chlorine-scented savagery of adolescence; long, drunken nights in share houses and gay bars; and the highs and lows of parenthood. 

And always, despite unspoken feelings and sexual confusion, they will choose each other. Again, and again. As friends, as lovers, as family.
 
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"Madeleine Gray's characters are so vivid, their actions and conversations so real, that I wanted to pick up my phone and yell at each and every one of them. A very funny, very hopeful novel about friendship and forgiveness and the hard work of trying to build a life." - Kate Young
 
"Chosen Family felt like being welcomed into a world full of in-jokes, drama, comfort, chaos and love - I was completely in its thrall until the very last page. Madeleine Gray has written something very special: an epic story of female intimacy that is gripping, poignant, extremely funny and bracingly true." - Lisa Owens
 
"Sometimes savage, sometimes heart-warming . . . Chosen Family thrums with the vitality and connection of girlhood and female friendships." - Guardian
 
"I loved Chosen Family's capacious heart, and the vivacious kick of its language. Gray's generosity to her characters doesn't preclude a tough, comic astringency when it comes to revealing the foibles and posturing of her characters. Yet the mocking is never cruel: this is a novel that has a lot to say about the nature of love and of friendship. And just as importantly, a lot to say about the nature of desire and friendship. I started reading and couldn't stop till I reached the final page. It is joyously good." -Christos Tsiolkas