'A fascinating novel exploring responsibility, desire and the very stuff of existence with verve and sensitivity' Heidi James, author of Wounding 'A thought-provoking exploration of relationships, obsession and what it means to be a father' Justine Roberts, CEO of Mumsnet Fred Pooley feels as though there's a gaping hole inside him, somewhere between his heart and his stomach. Since returning to London after six years in Hong Kong, he's been drifting; a new job and a new girlfriend do little to fill the gap. Meeting up with his first love Sally and her baby daughter sets him musing about...

'A moving and intriguing thought experiment about loneliness and human connections. ' - Justine Roberts, founder and CEO of Mumsnet 'I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for something a little bit different from the crowd. Accessible, engaging, full of ideas and humanity, The Anchoress won't disappoint' - BookEmStevo 'Touching and believable... a beautiful little book' - Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone, author of Home 'In the Middle Ages there were women who had themselves walled up ... Anchoresses, they were called.' Maggie has locked herself in her closet and she won't come out....