The second novel by the phenomenally talented Alice Oseman, the author of the million-copy bestselling Heartstopper books—now a major Netflix series.

What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong?

Frances has always been a study machine with one goal: elite university. Nothing will stand in her way. Not friends, not a guilty secret—not even the person she is on the inside.

But when Frances meets Aled, the shy genius behind her favorite podcast, she discovers a new freedom. He unlocks the door to Real Frances and for the first time she experiences true friendship, unafraid to be herself. Then the podcast goes viral and the fragile trust between them is broken.

Caught between who she was and who she longs to be, Frances’s dreams come crashing down. Suffocating with guilt, she knows that she has to confront her past…

She has to confess why Carys disappeared…

Meanwhile at university, Aled is alone, fighting even darker secrets.

It’s only by facing up to your fears that you can overcome them. And it’s only by being your true self that you can find happiness.

Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.

A coming-of-age read that tackles issues of identity, the pressure to succeed, diversity, and freedom to choose, Radio Silence is a tour de force by the most exciting writer of her generation.

Alice Oseman is an award-winning author, illustrator, and screenwriter. Alice is the creator of LGBTQ+ YA romance comic Heartstopper, and the writer, creator, and executive producer for the Emmy Award-winning television adaptation for Netflix, produced by See-Saw. Alice has written every episode and been involved at every stage, from casting to music. Alice is the author of several YA contemporary novels about teenage disasters: Solitaire (published when she was 19), Radio Silence, I Was Born for This, and Loveless (a New York Times bestseller). Alice’s books have won, been shortlisted, or nominated for a number of awards, including the YA Book Prize, the Inky Awards, the Carnegie Medal, and the Goodreads Choice Awards. Alice was named the Attitude Person of the Year 2023, and The British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year.

“Oseman vividly illustrates that the world and its technologies offer opportunities for connection and fulfillment that go far beyond traditional definitions of success.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An intense, highly engaging, well–plotted story of relationships, explorations into gay and bisexual identities, family trauma, a straight-jacket education system, and, mostly, kids yearning to be their truest selves despite it all.” — Booklist (starred review)

“Keenly intelligent. A smart, timely outing.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Oseman is a master at combining sardonic wit with angst to create believable characters and a compelling contemporary story that will resonate with teens. VERDICT: A top pick for any YA collection.” — School Library Journal

Praise for SOLITAIRE: “A fascinating debut from an author to watch.” — ALA Booklist

“Oseman’s debut could put her among the great young adult fiction authors.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Tori’s voice makes this story into a poignant yet blackly funny and even lively emotional journey. A deeply absorbing read.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Oseman proves herself a clever, witty writer.” — Publishers Weekly

“Honest and authentic… with appeal to fans of John Green.” — Bookseller (London)

“In [Oseman’s] punky, depressive, epigrammatic, mordant heroine Tori Spring we have a Holden Caulfield for the internet age.” — The Times (London)

“Intrigue, suspense, and a fairly spectacular climax will appeal to teens asking the big questions.” — ALA Booklist