Ones to Watch 2013

**It’s an outdated notion that a novelist draws comparisons with a wise old owl; a person that has been through years of education, rejection and intellectual development and only then are they capable of producing literary masterpieces. These 6 young writers debunk that belief, storming the literary world with their talent.**

### Sheila Heti

Already an established writer with three books to her name, the first of which was published in 2001, this Canadian is whipping up a storm in the US after her latest novel _How Should A Person Be?_ was named one of the best books of 2012 by the _New York Times_. Part memoir, part self-help novel; this is thought-provoking fiction with a dose of philosophy thrown in for good measure. Heti explores the process of creating both a work of art and an artist’s personality in a bold and daring manner, with the book being acclaimed as a “significant, cultural artefact” (_LA Review of Books_). A compliment if ever I saw one.

### Jeff Backhaus

His recently released debut novel, _Hikikomori and the Rental Sister_, might not be the most easily pronounceable nor memorable book title that ever graced the shelves; however his name should be one that you etch onto your minds. It traces the strange phenomenon of ‘hikikomori’ as it happens to the protagonist Thomas Tessler, wherein people retreat from everyday existence and confine themselves to a single space. Thomas’ wife Silke, whom experienced the tragic event that triggered this withdrawal from society, with him, seeks the help of Megumi, a ‘rental sister’ in order to initiate a ‘coming out’. However, complications arise when Megumi and Thomas become intimate and Silke must decide if it’s all worth it. A _Booklist_ review called it a “courageous and spare, an enthralling success”, whilst both Amazon and _The New York Post_ have featured it among their top picks for the month of January. A little bit of Facebook stalking will reveal that this writer, who has previously been a cook, an art director and a professional pilot, is genuinely excited about this new career endeavour. Even more endearing is his penchant for replying to tweets via pictures of messages written out on his typewriter.

### Chibundu Onuzo

Here’s a novelist that puts all our achievements to shame. Having graduated last year from King’s College London, this 21-year old Nigerian started writing her debut novel _The Spider King’s Daughter_ at 17, procured a writing agent at 18, signed a two-novel deal with renowned British publishers Faber &Faber at 19 (the youngest woman ever to do so) and at 21 is now the proud owner of a History degree and a published novel. Phew!

Onuzo’s book, _The Spider King’s Daughter_ brings a new perspective to poor-boy-meets-rich-girl, as two Lagos teenagers meet against the backdrop of violence, poverty and a city torn between its conventional past and a changing future. _The Times_ called it a “dark, tense and gripping first novel” and Onuzo was long-listed for the prestigious Desmond Elliot Prize in 2012 (an annual award for best debut novel). I for one am eagerly anticipating her follow-up.

### Taiye Selasi

Endorsed by Salman Rushdie and emulating Zadie Smith, this young writer of Ghanaian origin has only a short story to her name. Her debut novel _Ghana Must Go_ is out March this year and has already been praised highly. Tracing the saga of a disintegrating family, this is a novel than spans generations and continents and will soon be gracing ‘must-read’ lists everywhere. Good thing too as Selasi says she just “aim[s] to be readable”.

### Daisy Hildyard

A smart cookie if ever you saw one, this young Oxford graduate (gaining a high first in English, no less) is juggling the publication of her debut novel this April with studying for a PhD. Back in 2005 she was named one of _Vogue_’s young writers of the year and is now making good on that claim with _Hunters in the Snow_, a story which centres on a young woman who discovers her late-Grandfather’s unfinished story on the history of England. If it sounds too dry for your liking, critics have called it “beguiling” and “remarkable”, whilst others have likened her to Man Booker Prize winner Julian Barnes; both sharing historical themes that deal with issues of truth and reflection.

### Rebecca Harrington

26-year old Harrington is a writer for the Huffington Post with articles on a range of topics including dating, Passion Pit and Michelle Obama. If being Deputy College Editor for this international publication wasn’t enough, she also graduated from some place called Harvard. Oh and her debut novel comes out this month. One supposes you could call her kind of a big deal. Her first novel _Penelope_ sees a college freshman navigating the halls and social hierarchies of one of the most prestigious schools stateside. Hailed as brilliantly funny and unique, you can expect to see this semi-autobiographical novel on tubes, beaches and kindles everywhere this year. Even better, this satirical take on college life will make Warwick seem like a walk in the park.