When I Come Home Again

‘A page-turning literary gem about grief, loss and the impact of war on those left behind’

‘A superb and quietly devastating novel about grief, hope and the horrific aftershocks of war’

‘When I Come Home Again is a heartbreaking read which reveals the far-reaching tragedies of war. My heart ached for the three women and for Adam… I highly recommend it – and I very much look forward to Caroline Scott’s next novel’ 

‘Caroline Scott’s quietly devastating second novel insightfully explores the impact of the Great War on returning soldiers and their families… Scott skillfully unspools their heartbreaking stories while uncovering Adam’s secrets and the source of his fear’ 

‘A powerful story that’s achingly moving and most beautifully written. Readers of Maggie O’Farrell and Helen Dunmore are likely to enjoy When I Come Home Again’

'I absolutely loved it. It was page turning, mysterious, engrossing and compelling. I thought so many times I had it all figured out and I was wrong every time. I couldn’t get to the end fast enough and finished it at 1 am feeling bereft' 

'Wonderful and evocative . . . it was immediately intriguing and had the ring of truth. But what I realised . . . is that it is so much more subtle and complex than being just the journey to discover who Adam really is. It is not only about memory and identity, it's about the repercussions and tragedy of war, reaching out across vast swathes of society' 
 

'Captivating, heart-breaking and uplifting. This beautiful and moving book drew me in from the first line and held me enthralled until the very end'

‘A haunting novel with loss at its heart - the loss of self, loved ones and the lives that should have been. Caroline Scott evokes the damage and desolation of the Great War with aching authenticity, and her writing is exquisite'

‘When I Come Home Again is a compulsive, heart-wrenching read, beautifully and painfully evoking the toxic mix of grief and guilt suffered by survivors and the bereaved following WWI. When a man arrives who cannot remember who he is, three bereaved women genuinely believe him to be their own lost loved one, with devastating consequences’

‘When a WWI soldier with complete memory loss is discovered in Durham cathedral, more than one woman steps forward to claim him as her own. But the past is a place he has shut away, and in this powerful psychological novel, Scott explores the mental health of everyone involved in the soldier’s life. A carefully, nuanced, complex story’ 

‘A beautifully written novel – immersive, poignant, intricately woven’
 

‘Scott litters her tale with clues and red herrings in the best mystery-writer way so we are kept guessing as to where the truth really lies’

‘Atmospheric descriptions of the Lake District contrast with the horrors of war in this poignant and breathtaking exploration of loss, love and precious memories’

‘An evocative read’

‘Outstanding… The story left me breathless. Powerful, heartrending, and oh so tender. A whirlwind of emotions that will not allow us to forget’ 

‘This beautiful book packs a huge emotional punch’
 

‘Scott’s tense and compelling mystery – with so many broken lives at its centre – ­is a timely reminder that the repercussions of war are lasting, painful and tragic’
 

‘Caroline Scott’s quietly devastating second novel insightfully explores the effect of the great war on returning soldiers and the families that waited, longingly, for their return’ 

‘A carefully nuanced, complex story’ 

'A poignant story about love and loss’ 

‘Based on true events, this is a powerful story’ 

'Scott unravels her haunting tale in unpretentious but persuasive prose'