Nuclear family
Award-winning author Kate Davies opens up about her brilliant novel, the concept of family, and how she found love on the football pitch
BY ROXY BOURDILLON
0Writing Nuclear Family changed Kate Davies’ life. Following her Polari Prize-winning 2019 debut, In At The Deep End, the author, screenwriter and improviser’s second novel is funny, moving and utterly gripping. Examining complicated issues with a light touch, the story centres around one North London family. When Lena buys her dad Tom and twin sister Alison DNA tests for Christmas, this seemingly innocuous gift turns out to be “a 21st century Pandora’s box”, forcing Tom to drop the bombshell that his daughters were donor-conceived. It’s a perfect premise – succinct, intriguing and jam-packed with dramatic potential. It’s also inspired, in part, by Kate’s own experience.