Now in paperback, the "mad and wonderful” (Roddy Doyle) debut from "your next Irish literary obsession" (Shondaland): a novel about joy and despair, family and love, and coming of age in the 21st century. “Snowflake  is a wonderfully inventive, deeply felt novel full of the best kinds of surprises.”—Margot Livesey An exquisitely talented young Irish writer makes her literary debut with this powerful and haunting novel. Eighteen-year-old Debbie was raised on her family’s rural dairy farm, forty minutes and a world away from Dublin. She lives with her mother, Maeve, a skittish woman who takes to her bed for days on end, claims not to know who Debbie’s father is, and believes her dreams are prophecies. Rounding out their small family is Maeve’s brother Billy, who lives in a caravan behind their house, drinks too much, and likes to impersonate famous dead writers online. Though they may have their quirks, the Whites’ fierce love for one another is never in doubt. But Debbie’s life is changing. Earning a place at Trinity College Dublin, she commutes to her classes a few days a week. Outside the sheltered bubble of her childhood for the first time, Debbie finds herself both overwhelmed and disappointed by her fellow students and the pace and anonymity of city life. While the familiarity of the farm offers comfort, Debbie still finds herself pulling away from it. Yet just as she begins to ponder the possibilities the future holds, a resurgence of strange dreams raises her fears that she may share Maeve’s fate. Then a tragic accident upends the family’s equilibrium, and Debbie discovers her next steps may no longer be hers to choose. Gorgeous and beautifully wrought, Snowflake is an affecting coming-of-age story about a young woman learning to navigate a world that constantly challenges her sense of self.  “ Snowflake is mad and wonderful. I thought I was reading one thing, then discovered—several times—that I was reading a different, even better thing.” - Roddy Doyle "A novel for anyone who’s ever felt lost in the world. Louise Nealon balances humor and tragedy in a sharp debut." - John Boyne "Astonishing. Louise Nealon is a ridiculously talented writer." - Stacey Halls, author of The Familiars "Beautiful and truthful and touching." - Marian Keyes, author of My Favorite Mistake “ Snowflake  is a beautiful novel; tender, laugh-out-loud funny, and deeply moving.” - Louise O'Neill, author of Idol "Can a young woman be innocent yet outrageous, longing to succeed at university yet close to failing, deeply embarrassed by her manic depressive mother yet devoted? Yes, yes, yes. Louise Nealon’s beguiling narrator Debbie is all these things, and much more. Snowflake is a wonderfully inventive, deeply felt novel full of the best kinds of surprises." - Margot Livesey “Louise Nealon’s  Snowflake  is one of the most heartwarming, honest and brilliant coming-of-age novels you will read this year . . . . This novel is a true gift . . . . Reading it is to lose yourself in reveries about the imperfections of life, the people we love and care for, self-doubt and the pursuit of joy.” - BookPage, starred review “An endearingly off-kilter coming-of-age story. . . . Debbie will win your heart.” - People, “The Best New Books” “A sweet, clever coming-of-age novel that finds charity and depth for its older characters as well as the young.” - Irish Times “Clever, witty, wryly elegant and full of emotional truth." - The Sunday Independent “Nealon’s bald honesty about rural life is reminiscent of Patrick Kavanagh and his anti- pastorals." - RTE.ie “The idea that everyone is suffering something, even unseen, is not a new one, but it is refreshingly presented by this cast of wonky, wonderful, traumatized characters in a chaotic, beautiful, flawed world . . . . twisty-turning, multifaceted, smart, funny even when it is at its most serious. Nealon's debut shows an expert eye for detail and pitch, and an appreciation for the absurd, the profound and the ridiculous--especially when they converge.” - Shelf Awareness “Packed with emotion, terrific dialogue, raw and real characters, and spiritual elements . . . . A genuine, wise, and promising debut.” - Booklist "Nealon’s razor-sharp focus on the shame surrounding mental health issues, sexual promiscuity and substance abuse in Irish culture — and her female characters’ determination to not only face but conquer their shortcomings . . . makes an indelible mark." - Washington Post “A fresh and often humorous debut. . . . this tale of two worlds vibrates on an otherworldly frequency.” - Publishers Weekly “An accomplished debut novel. . . . One of newcomer Louise Nealon's many skills is in finding the tenderness lurking underneath everyday exchanges in a captivating story about a smart working-class country girl who is trying to adjust to Trinity College and its privileged social set. . . . Made me laugh out loud and cringe simultaneously. . . . the book has the power t