Lovesick: The must-read 2026 Australian debut dissecting modern love, for readers of Jacqueline Maley, Coco Mellors and Diana Reid
By Lillian Telford
Harry Hartog's review
If you pick up only one work of fiction in 2026, let it be ‘Lovesick’. From the first page, it’s clear that this novel is something truly special. Lillian Telford’s writing is remarkably forthcoming and sharp, and at the same time, the elegance of her prose will melt you like butter. Telford moves between the perspectives of Gabby and Gordon with intention and control, unravelling the fibres of their upbringings, trauma, friendships, families, identities, vices, and most significantly, their shifting relationship with each other. Circumstance forces emotional fractures between them, tearing at their sense of self and their understanding of how to exist together and apart. But like papermaking, this shredding might only be one messy step in the process of creating something new and beautiful. I greatly adored every minute I spent with these characters in all their complexity and humanity, and especially adored every minute I spent soaking up Lillian’s writing in awe. I believe lovers of Coco Mellors (‘Blue Sisters’, ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’) or any elegantly descriptive literary fiction will find a new favourite in ‘Lovesick’. - Jas, Harry Hartog Maroochydore
Description
A raw, honest and distinctive novel that dissects the heartbreak, passion, insecurity, obsession, betrayal and joy of modern relationships. For readers of Sally Rooney, Jacqueline Maley, Diana Reid and anyone who has experienced love or heartache in equal measure.
'Do you think much about love? About how abrupt it is,' she asked. Gabby hooked her arm through his and stretched on her toes to kiss him. His mouth was dry; she tasted like rainwater. It occurred to Gordon that she was a shadow he might not be able to catch.
Two lonely lives collide on a drug-fuelled night out in Brisbane's West End. Gabby and Gordon, both lovesick and haunted by childhood wounds, find solace in each other's arms. But the passion that brings them together isn't enough in the face of insecurity, jealousy and grief.
In the wake of the intense and turbulent act of falling in - and out - of love, other relationships in their lives start to crumble. How far can Gabby and Gordon push each other, and everyone else they love, before they lose their way back?
PRAISE FOR LOVESICK
'With its intoxicating prose, and characters I felt I've somehow known my entire life, Lovesick hit me like a swooning, sensual gut punch. Lillian Telford is a major talent.' SIANG LU, award-winning author of Ghost Cities
'A beautiful debut about Brisbane, best friends and ex-boyfriends. Lillian Telford's prose pulses with life.' CASSIE STROUD, author of Iluka
'Observant, profound and often visceral. Telford's prose reads more like poetry.' ELEANOR KIRK, author of Very Impressive for Your Age
'Lovesick is an impressive debut, showing lonely lives butting against a refreshing Brisbane landscape. I enjoyed its raw, dark depiction of human nature at its most vulnerable.' ELISE ESTHER HEARST, author of One Day We're All Going to Die
'An achingly beautiful portrait of young love in all its messy glory as well as fragility. Lillian is a talent to watch.' EMILY LIGHEZZOLO, author of Life Drawing
- ISBN:
- 9781038955494
- Format:
- Paperback
- Pages:
- 320
- Published:
- Publisher:
- HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
- Imprint:
- HQ Fiction
- Weight:
- 386 g