Lonely Mouth

Author(s): Maley, Jacqueline,
Binding: Hardback,
Date of Publication: 02/07/2026,
Pagination: 336 pages,
Series: N/A,
Imprint: Chatto & Windus,
Published By: Vintage Publishing,
Book Classification: Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945),
Dimensions: 164 x 241 x 32
ISBN13/EAN/SKU: 9781784746681

Witty, savage and poignant NIGELLA LAWSON’Humane and deeply, darkly humorous’ MARINA KEMP, author of UNWILDING’Gorgeous, mesmerising’ CLAIRE POWELL, author of ALL INThis summer, sink your teeth into a slice of family drama with this deliciously funny novel about sisterhood, secrets and the things you can’t stomach.

Matilda knows about hunger. She works in one of Sydney’s buzziest restaurants, Bocca, while suppressing her cravings, including for her celebrity chef boss, Colson. Everything in her life is tightly controlled: she allows herself one weekend a month to feast and purge, the rest of the time, she stays perfect.

That is, until her younger half-sister Lara crashes back into town, stirring up the familys chaotic past and bringing long-buried family secrets to the surface. As the pressure rises in the kitchen and at home, Matildas carefully compartmentalised life begins to unravel.

A deliciously moreish book club novel about food, appetite, body image, family dysfunction and desire perfect for readers looking for a smart summer holiday read.

‘I devoured it in a weekend’ FELICITY CLOAKE’Singularly rich and moreish’ GRAINNE O’HARE, author of THIRST TRAPREADERS ARE LOVING LONELY MOUTH:Sharp, emotionally layeredHer writing lingersA powerful, beautifully written story that gets under your skinI could talk about this book for hours