Alice Franklin

LIFE HACKS FOR A LITTLE ALIEN

Life Hacks for a Little Alien was my first novel. This is the blurb:

From her first words to her first day at school, Little Alien can't help but get things wrong. She doesn't understand the world the way others seem to, and the world doesn't seem to understand her either. Her anxious mum and meticulous dad, while well-intentioned, are of little help.

But when Little Alien sees a documentary about the Voynich Manuscript - a mediaeval codex written in an unknown language and script - she begins to suspect that there are other people who feel just like her. Convinced that translating this manuscript will offer the answers she needs, she sets out on a journey that will show her a delicious taste of freedom.

So begins this charming, witty, and profoundly moving novel about the power of language, the wonder of libraries - and how to find a path that fits, when you yourself do not.

Some people said nice things about it:

Unique and thoroughly engaging. ― Pip Williams, author of The Dictionary of Lost Words

So brilliant, so original and lovely and funny. ― Rebecca Wait, author of I'm Sorry You Feel That Way

Wise and playful and tender and beautiful. A very special book. ― Bobby Palmer, author of Isaac and the Egg

Stunningly original . . . Totally addictive and brilliant. ― Aimée Walsh, author of Exile

Witty, bold, heart-warming and entirely delicious. I devoured it. ― Jyoti Patel, author of The Things that We Lost

A life-affirming, charming book full of wonders, a love letter to language and its power of connection. ― Sally Phillips

A hymn to language, human uniqueness, and our fundamental need to connect . . . Immersive, moving, and fizzing with humour. ― Paula Lichtarowicz, author of The Snow Hare

A rare energy lights this wonderful book. ― Han Smith, author of Portraits at the Palace of Creativity and Wrecking

An extraordinary debut about a little girl who feels alone in our world. ― Angie Kim, author of Happiness Falls and Miracle Cree

Franklin delightfully renders her neurodivergent protagonist's attempt to make sense of what's "normal" and to understand how language works . . . This has plenty of heart. ― Publishers Weekly

Originality and cerebral playfulness combine with affecting family drama to make a satisfying, lively novel. ― Kirkus

We adore this audio that will make you smile and cry in equal measure . . . this captivating debut is a love letter to language, human individuality and togetherness. ― Sunday Post

Every once in a while, a novel comes along that so perfectly paints the world through a pair of young eyes, it makes me feel like I'm once again observing the world with the perceptiveness of a child. ― Audible

Thought-provoking ― Daily Mail

A lovely debut. ― BookBrunch

This sparkling and stirring novel is an incredibly special debut ― Love Reading

If you have had an Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine gap in your life for a while, then this might be the answer . . . it has the same sense of sage and spirited originality that brings total joy to the reading experience . . . A charming, witty and moving novel . . . Fizzes with energy. ― Platinum

It might still be too soon in the year to call it, but this looks set to be one of the most affecting and original reads of the year. ― Marie Claire

Life-affirming . . . Told from the perspective of an older linguist, Life Hacks tackles a world in which the character feels she doesn't belong. You'll take her to your heart. ― Belfast Telegraph

Witty and heartfelt . . . Narrated by Sally Phillips, whose warmth and humour bring an extra layer of depth to this touching story ― iPaper

A wonderfully tender debut . . . Funny and moving ― Image Magazine

Superbly written. This is a sparkling debut. ― Irish Examiner

You can buy a copy at Waterstones or elsewhere.

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