Emma Hooper's novel Etta and Otto and Russell and James, released January 20, is one of the most anticipated debuts of 2015.

Set in Canada, the novel follows 82 year old Etta as she decides to walk 2000 miles from her home to the sea, which she's never seen, and also explores a love triangle between Etta, her husband Otto, and their neighbour Russell. Hooper, whose writing has been likened to Rachel Joyce, Audrey Niffenegger and Alice Munro, is a part time lecturer at Bath Spa University and also works on her solo music project, Waitress for the Bees.