Sanctuary

What possesses someone to claim asylum in his own country? Twisty thriller meets witty love story in Tom Gaisford’s ambitious and searching debut novel. Sanctuary explores our treatment of asylum seekers through the lens of Alex Donovan, a young refugee lawyer in crisis. Helping desperate clients is what gives his job meaning, but he now finds himself demoted, signed off sick for stress and facing redeployment to the firm’s subterranean billing department.

Then there is Amy, the woman he adores. The irresistible junior barrister seems to be drifting away from him. With little to lose and all to prove, Alex dreams up a madcap plan to restore his honour and secure Amy’s affection.

Chaired by Toby Lichtig.