15 Days Without a Head - Tapa blanda

"A teenager holds his crumbling family life together in this finely crafted debut that strikes a delicate balance between humor and pathos." --Kirkus Reviews

"A compelling story of Laurence's struggles, with the darker subject matter balanced out by humorous undertones." --Publishers Weekly

"Incredible lightness of touch and humour, but also seriously weighty...reminded me a lot of Frank Cottrell Boyce." --Anthony McGowan, author of The Knife that Killed Me

Fifteen-year-old Laurence Roach just wants a normal life, but itâ??s far from easy with his little brother who acts like a dog and their depressed alcoholic mother. If Laurence can win the luxury vacation in a local radio contest, heâ??s certain his mum will finally be happy again. Then one night she doesnâ??t come home from work, and Laurence must face the reality that she might not come back at all. Terrified that child services will separate him from his brother, Laurence does whatever he can to keep their motherâ??s disappearance a secret. For two weeks, he spins a web of complicated lies to friends, neighbors, and the authoritiesâ??even dressing up in his motherâ??s clothes to convince everyone sheâ??s still around. But Laurence canâ??t hide the truth forever. He begins a desperate search for her, and thatâ??s when the real trouble starts in this powerful story about family, forgiveness, and hope.