the_wild_freud
2002 Nominated

The Wild

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

It is the ’70s. In an old bakery converted into a home, two single-parent families have come together under one roof. For nine-year-old Tess it is a new start and she sees in William, the tall, blond guitar-playing father of three, both the father she craves and a lover for her mother, Francine. Her brother Jake, however, feels nothing for William but contempt. When Francine becomes involved with William, Tess, eager to share in their love, tries to please the adults as well as win Jake round. But Tess soon finds that good intentions don’t always bring happiness and that adults are sometimes capable of making mistakes.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Esther
Freud

Esther Freud (born May 2, 1963) is a critically acclaimed British novelist and playwright. She is best known for her semi-autobiographical debut novel, Hideous Kinky, which was adapted into a film starring Kate Winslet. Coming from a legendary artistic dynasty, she balances writing with teaching creative writing.

Esther Freud (born May 2, 1963) is a critically acclaimed British novelist and playwright. She is best known for her semi-autobiographical debut novel, Hideous Kinky, which was adapted into a film starring Kate Winslet. Coming from a legendary artistic dynasty, she balances writing with teaching creative writing.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
United Kingdom
Author
Publisher
Hamish Hamilton

RELATED FEATURES

News May 21 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Winner Revealed

Discover this year's winner!
Video May 16 2026

Brigitte Giraud – Live Fast Q&A

Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
Video May 12 2026

Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A

Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
Video May 8 2026

Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A

Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.