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Laura Clark Is Away from Her Desk: The relatable and and hilarious coming-of-middle-age novel for anyone who feels frazzled and fed up. . . for fans of Alexandra Potter and Melanie Cantor
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jul 26Who is Laura Clark?
To her colleagues at the suburban head office where she works, she's an anonymous forty-something HR manager who spends her days sending emails about the maintenance of the lifts, organising snacks for work meetings and subtly managing everyone's egos so things can actually get done. To her golf-obsessed husband and selfie-obsessed teenage daughter, she's the woman who puts dinner on the table and cleans it up afterwards. To her elderly mother, she's a sounding board for her constant complaints.
But one day Laura puts on her 'out of office' message and doesn't turn up for work. Soon baffling things start happening, and everyone's formerly ordered lives quickly begin to descend into all-out chaos.
Where has Laura gone? Has something terrible happened to her? Or has she - unthinkably - decided to finally give her own life the finger?
To find out, the people in her life must realise that, maybe, they never really knew Laura Clark at all . . .
To her colleagues at the suburban head office where she works, she's an anonymous forty-something HR manager who spends her days sending emails about the maintenance of the lifts, organising snacks for work meetings and subtly managing everyone's egos so things can actually get done. To her golf-obsessed husband and selfie-obsessed teenage daughter, she's the woman who puts dinner on the table and cleans it up afterwards. To her elderly mother, she's a sounding board for her constant complaints.
But one day Laura puts on her 'out of office' message and doesn't turn up for work. Soon baffling things start happening, and everyone's formerly ordered lives quickly begin to descend into all-out chaos.
Where has Laura gone? Has something terrible happened to her? Or has she - unthinkably - decided to finally give her own life the finger?
To find out, the people in her life must realise that, maybe, they never really knew Laura Clark at all . . .
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 30, 2026
287 people want to read
About the author
Helen Russell
12 books455 followersHelen Russell is a bestselling author, journalist, speaker and host. Formerly editor of marieclaire.co.uk turned Scandinavia correspondent for the Guardian, her first book, The Year of Living Danishly, became an international bestseller, optioned for television. She's the author of five critically acclaimed books, translated into 21 languages.
Helen writes for magazines and newspapers globally, including The Times and The Sunday Times, the Telegraph, the Independent, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, the Observer, Metro, Grazia, Stylist and Stella. She’s spent the last ten years studying cultural approaches to emotions and now speaks about her work internationally.
Helen writes for magazines and newspapers globally, including The Times and The Sunday Times, the Telegraph, the Independent, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, the Observer, Metro, Grazia, Stylist and Stella. She’s spent the last ten years studying cultural approaches to emotions and now speaks about her work internationally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 18, 2026
Smart, funny (laugh out loud at times), relatable and so good. The characters are well written with vivid personalities. You can’t help but understand Laura. You’ll want to rage at the world but laugh while doing it.
And the Ian character really grows on you.
By the second half I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you Headline Books and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
And the Ian character really grows on you.
By the second half I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you Headline Books and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one just wasn't for me. I liked the idea of the book. The summary sounded so good but I just was never very interested.
The characters were unlikable and uninteresting to me. I felt like so many of the things they did were ridiculous.
I did like the ending and appreciated what the author was trying to show.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!
The characters were unlikable and uninteresting to me. I felt like so many of the things they did were ridiculous.
I did like the ending and appreciated what the author was trying to show.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!
January 29, 2026
This book was one of the arcs i was crossing my fingers and toes for and i feel that i was just completely not on the right track with the description versus actual plot ! Maybe that’s me not reading the description well enough. I like what it was trying to do, unfortunately i feel like we spent way tooooo much time on just how incapable all the people were . Like i didn’t need four hundred pages to get the point .
I liked the ending, i liked the message! I was just very very bored for majority of the book and quite frustrated with everyone .
I liked the ending, i liked the message! I was just very very bored for majority of the book and quite frustrated with everyone .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a sharp, witty and clever book, bringing together to many different human emotions and behaviours. I found this to be one of this great observations on life kind of books. Very relatable.
Laura Clark, has become an invisible. In every of life she has become part of the office furniture, a put upon mother and wife at home, even to her best friend, Ruth she was always the Giver in the relationship. So when she disappears one day, it even takes the people around her a long time to figure out what is happening.
Her husband and daughter totally take advantage of her at home, she does everything for them (and Rufus the dog). At work she has been overlooked for promotion for years! Her self centered mother only rings her to complain or when she needs jobs doing. going, Her work colleagues just see her as someone who sorts everything out. But who is looking out for Laura? Not even her friend, Ruth.
There are some seriously laugh out loud moments in the book. I particularly loved the observations and storylines involving Laura's office workers. The behaviours and individuals were so relatable and so familiar to me in many ways. And the chaos that occurs at home as Laura's husband and daughter get to grips with even the most basic domestic parts of life is really funny...and poor Rufus the dog!
The character development is brilliant. I really warmed to Ian, one of Laura's colleagues. But overall the characters were all so well written and identifiable and we really witness some of them growing and becoming more empowered as we progress through the book.
And even though there is comedy and humour throughout the book, I had an emotional response to this book. Laura's health and wellbeing were completely impacted by the people around her. I did keep asking myself if Laura ever found happiness and there's a compelling part of the book where we prise open Laura's true feelings and understand her decision to take control of her own life and leaving it all behind. There is a part of me that would love to leave things behind and seek adventure and experience different things in life.
Fabulous book. I loved it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Laura Clark, has become an invisible. In every of life she has become part of the office furniture, a put upon mother and wife at home, even to her best friend, Ruth she was always the Giver in the relationship. So when she disappears one day, it even takes the people around her a long time to figure out what is happening.
Her husband and daughter totally take advantage of her at home, she does everything for them (and Rufus the dog). At work she has been overlooked for promotion for years! Her self centered mother only rings her to complain or when she needs jobs doing. going, Her work colleagues just see her as someone who sorts everything out. But who is looking out for Laura? Not even her friend, Ruth.
There are some seriously laugh out loud moments in the book. I particularly loved the observations and storylines involving Laura's office workers. The behaviours and individuals were so relatable and so familiar to me in many ways. And the chaos that occurs at home as Laura's husband and daughter get to grips with even the most basic domestic parts of life is really funny...and poor Rufus the dog!
The character development is brilliant. I really warmed to Ian, one of Laura's colleagues. But overall the characters were all so well written and identifiable and we really witness some of them growing and becoming more empowered as we progress through the book.
And even though there is comedy and humour throughout the book, I had an emotional response to this book. Laura's health and wellbeing were completely impacted by the people around her. I did keep asking myself if Laura ever found happiness and there's a compelling part of the book where we prise open Laura's true feelings and understand her decision to take control of her own life and leaving it all behind. There is a part of me that would love to leave things behind and seek adventure and experience different things in life.
Fabulous book. I loved it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 23, 2026
Laura Clark is Away From Her Desk, by Helen Russell, is the story of a middle aged woman who chooses herself after a lifetime of caring for others.
Told from the alternating perspectives of Laura’s coworker, her husband, her daughter, her best friend, and her doctor, we learn over the course of the story that Laura is the glue that holds the people around her together. She cares for others so well that they don’t even really notice, let alone appreciate, all she does for them.
Until, one day, Laura is suddenly gone, and those around her are left panicking and fumbling under the weight of daily life responsibilities they previously didn’t need to bear as they were all piled on Laura.
This story was sharp, funny, and surprisingly pleasant and lighthearted while also exploring the large mental, emotional, and physical load of caregiving that women often disproportionately carry. In many ways this story reminded me of Where’d You Go, Bernadette, although Laura is much nicer and much less rich.
Parts of me wish that those around Laura hadn’t been such extreme versions of inept/thoughtless/helpless humans…personally I would have been curious to see how inequitable divisions of labor play out in subtler situations—where those around you seem nice enough, so it’s hard to put a finger on why you feel so exhausted. Instead, those around Laura, especially her husband and employer, seem borderline cruel in how they treat her as someone who exists merely to make their life easier. Although perhaps what we learn about Laura’s relationship with her mother illustrates how Laura was conditioned to put up with this from the very beginning—after all, if as a child love equals bending to the whims of others and making yourself useful in order to stay in the family, that’s what you do. Some love is better than none, isn’t it? Until maybe it isn’t…
Overall, an enjoyable read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Wildfire (an imprint of Headline Books) for this digital ARC. Publication date July 30th, 2026!
Told from the alternating perspectives of Laura’s coworker, her husband, her daughter, her best friend, and her doctor, we learn over the course of the story that Laura is the glue that holds the people around her together. She cares for others so well that they don’t even really notice, let alone appreciate, all she does for them.
Until, one day, Laura is suddenly gone, and those around her are left panicking and fumbling under the weight of daily life responsibilities they previously didn’t need to bear as they were all piled on Laura.
This story was sharp, funny, and surprisingly pleasant and lighthearted while also exploring the large mental, emotional, and physical load of caregiving that women often disproportionately carry. In many ways this story reminded me of Where’d You Go, Bernadette, although Laura is much nicer and much less rich.
Parts of me wish that those around Laura hadn’t been such extreme versions of inept/thoughtless/helpless humans…personally I would have been curious to see how inequitable divisions of labor play out in subtler situations—where those around you seem nice enough, so it’s hard to put a finger on why you feel so exhausted. Instead, those around Laura, especially her husband and employer, seem borderline cruel in how they treat her as someone who exists merely to make their life easier. Although perhaps what we learn about Laura’s relationship with her mother illustrates how Laura was conditioned to put up with this from the very beginning—after all, if as a child love equals bending to the whims of others and making yourself useful in order to stay in the family, that’s what you do. Some love is better than none, isn’t it? Until maybe it isn’t…
Overall, an enjoyable read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Wildfire (an imprint of Headline Books) for this digital ARC. Publication date July 30th, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
To be the dutiful daughter, the loyal and obliging wife, the selfless mother, the efficient worker, the empathetic colleague.. These are some of the roles women are expected to play perfectly. No room for flaws or mistakes. The woman is expected to do all this, and not expect anything in return. So what happens when you keep on giving, when everyone around you bosses you around while giving nothing in return, not even basic courtesy to acknowledge you as a person?
So Laura breaks.
What’s interesting is we learn about Laura from the POVs of those around her. Her efforts and contributions were apparent, but nobody took the time to acknowledge or appreciate her. The more I read about other people’s accounts on Laura, the more sympathy I have for her, for being unlucky enough to be surrounded by selfish people who only used her for their convenience. It is sad to see her own selfish mother taking advantage of her, her useless husband and bratty daughter only looking for her when they needed things done, her colleagues who were so reliant on her they basically dropped their own JDs onto Laura’s tray because she was always the problem solver. I was disgusted by the way they felt ENTITLED to have Laura do their bidding, as if Laura was their personal butler, ready at their beck and call. So it’s not surprising to see when Laura decided that she’d had enough.
The saddest thing to me was it took the people around her a long time before they realized Laura was missing. And they only did when things started to go haywire because Laura was not there to manage the mess. Basically they only realized because of her function. They did not remember her, they only remembered she was the one who always put things right again.
It’s refreshing to see a woman’s point of view, especially at an age where she’s deemed to be no longer ‘valuable’ according to society, and yet many things are still imposed on and expected of her. I’m glad I read this.
Thanks to #headline and #netgalley for the advanced copy! This book will be published on 30 July 2026.
So Laura breaks.
What’s interesting is we learn about Laura from the POVs of those around her. Her efforts and contributions were apparent, but nobody took the time to acknowledge or appreciate her. The more I read about other people’s accounts on Laura, the more sympathy I have for her, for being unlucky enough to be surrounded by selfish people who only used her for their convenience. It is sad to see her own selfish mother taking advantage of her, her useless husband and bratty daughter only looking for her when they needed things done, her colleagues who were so reliant on her they basically dropped their own JDs onto Laura’s tray because she was always the problem solver. I was disgusted by the way they felt ENTITLED to have Laura do their bidding, as if Laura was their personal butler, ready at their beck and call. So it’s not surprising to see when Laura decided that she’d had enough.
The saddest thing to me was it took the people around her a long time before they realized Laura was missing. And they only did when things started to go haywire because Laura was not there to manage the mess. Basically they only realized because of her function. They did not remember her, they only remembered she was the one who always put things right again.
It’s refreshing to see a woman’s point of view, especially at an age where she’s deemed to be no longer ‘valuable’ according to society, and yet many things are still imposed on and expected of her. I’m glad I read this.
Thanks to #headline and #netgalley for the advanced copy! This book will be published on 30 July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Laura Clark is Away from Her Desk begins with Laura going missing. Or at least, her family and colleagues noticing she is missing, with tell-tale signs like breakfast not being ready and the dog not being taken out, and the elevator at the office not being fixed. Laura has always been dependable, always there, and her sudden not being there is at first met not with worry, but with disdain. Who’s going to do the laundry and send out mass emails if Laura isn’t there?
Laura Clark focuses on a person being a presence, not another human being. Laura is background noise to these people’s lives. It is taken for granted that she will always be doing what needs to be done. We see critiques of the ‘second shift,’ which is the idea of having a shift at work, then coming home to more work with chores and childcare, almost exclusively done by the woman. The idea of believing that you have to do certain tasks, because if you don’t, no one will. Mothering not only your actual child, but the other adults in your life. Putting the weight of the world, or at least the office and home, on your shoulders because no one else will step up to the plate. Laura’s disappearance forces her rotten husband and her nervous coworker to finally fill the roles and duties that they should have been taking on all this time. It forces her daughter to take a good hard look at what she wants because the person who carries all the emotional weight is gone. It forces her best friend to brave motherhood and her new life because the person who had all the answers isn’t there. And it lets us, the readers, process our own feelings about Laura’s situation and examine the parallels from our lives, or of the women in our lives.
This book is funny, thoughtful, relevant, and while a bit over long, it says what it wants to say with grace. If you liked Where’d You Go, Bernadette?, or like books about women’s issues and women finally having enough, I can highly recommend this one.
Laura Clark focuses on a person being a presence, not another human being. Laura is background noise to these people’s lives. It is taken for granted that she will always be doing what needs to be done. We see critiques of the ‘second shift,’ which is the idea of having a shift at work, then coming home to more work with chores and childcare, almost exclusively done by the woman. The idea of believing that you have to do certain tasks, because if you don’t, no one will. Mothering not only your actual child, but the other adults in your life. Putting the weight of the world, or at least the office and home, on your shoulders because no one else will step up to the plate. Laura’s disappearance forces her rotten husband and her nervous coworker to finally fill the roles and duties that they should have been taking on all this time. It forces her daughter to take a good hard look at what she wants because the person who carries all the emotional weight is gone. It forces her best friend to brave motherhood and her new life because the person who had all the answers isn’t there. And it lets us, the readers, process our own feelings about Laura’s situation and examine the parallels from our lives, or of the women in our lives.
This book is funny, thoughtful, relevant, and while a bit over long, it says what it wants to say with grace. If you liked Where’d You Go, Bernadette?, or like books about women’s issues and women finally having enough, I can highly recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Laura Clark, a woman in her late 40s goes missing from work and home and apart from her cryptic out-of-office message, there's no trace of her anywhere - nor do we, the reader, get any insight into her whereabouts. Instead, we get to meet Laura through the ramifications of her disappearance on the the people around her. Her philandering husband, Mark, sulky daughter Sian, best friend Ruth and worried colleague, Ian.
This novel approach to unfolding the story of a woman taken for granted, belittled and ignored works absolutely brilliantly! A picture of Laura and what her life has been like up until this point unfolds, carrying the reader along with a desire to know more about her, and what has happened to her.
At the same time, we get to know Mark, Sian, Ruth and Ian, to appreciate their vulnerabilities, flaws and occasional strengths. There's great character development going on here - the reader soon becomes invested in each and every main player in the story.
Wittily and wisely told, this story just oozes warmth, while at the same time exploring in sharp detail the minutiae of ordinary life than can make or break a person.
Author Helen Russell has such a sharp eye for comic detail. Whether you're shuddering at the chaos at home as Mark and Sian try to come to grips with domesticity or laughing at the political shenanigans at the office where Laura's calm efficiency is just as sadly missed, or empathising with Ruth as she comes to grips with juggling twin babies with a career without Laura's help, you'll feel immersed in the action and part of Laura's story.
A brilliant read that will definitely be in my top 10 for 2026.
This novel approach to unfolding the story of a woman taken for granted, belittled and ignored works absolutely brilliantly! A picture of Laura and what her life has been like up until this point unfolds, carrying the reader along with a desire to know more about her, and what has happened to her.
At the same time, we get to know Mark, Sian, Ruth and Ian, to appreciate their vulnerabilities, flaws and occasional strengths. There's great character development going on here - the reader soon becomes invested in each and every main player in the story.
Wittily and wisely told, this story just oozes warmth, while at the same time exploring in sharp detail the minutiae of ordinary life than can make or break a person.
Author Helen Russell has such a sharp eye for comic detail. Whether you're shuddering at the chaos at home as Mark and Sian try to come to grips with domesticity or laughing at the political shenanigans at the office where Laura's calm efficiency is just as sadly missed, or empathising with Ruth as she comes to grips with juggling twin babies with a career without Laura's help, you'll feel immersed in the action and part of Laura's story.
A brilliant read that will definitely be in my top 10 for 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for this ARC!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend anyone to read it. Russell’s writing was absolutely brilliant and she could have me absolutely furious and then laughing again, all in one chapter.
From the offset, I was absolutely invested in this mystery. Where is Laura Clark? I love that we get to see all of the people in her life come to the realisation that Laura is nowhere to be found and really enjoyed following along as they all connected the dots.
As we start to see the characters navigate either work or home life without their wife, mother, daughter, friend or colleague, we become increasingly aware of the unpaid labour that Laura has been carrying out for years with no recognition or help. This is an issue that I have never personally seen addressed like this and I think that Russell handled the topic beautifully. The everyday sexism that women face can really grind us down but often goes completely unrecognised by the people around us and even sometimes ourselves and this book just shines a light on that.
Seeing the characters realise the mistakes that they have been making and try to fix this was super interesting, whether they were likeable or not. Personally my favourites were Ruth and Ian who really seemed to grow on this small journey.
I love that we have no idea, for the vast majority of the story, where Laura is or what she’s getting up to. I could not wait to find out what was going on, especially as it became clear that she had left behind some clues (or really tricks, I suppose). The ending was so satisfying and I absolutely loved every moment of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend anyone to read it. Russell’s writing was absolutely brilliant and she could have me absolutely furious and then laughing again, all in one chapter.
From the offset, I was absolutely invested in this mystery. Where is Laura Clark? I love that we get to see all of the people in her life come to the realisation that Laura is nowhere to be found and really enjoyed following along as they all connected the dots.
As we start to see the characters navigate either work or home life without their wife, mother, daughter, friend or colleague, we become increasingly aware of the unpaid labour that Laura has been carrying out for years with no recognition or help. This is an issue that I have never personally seen addressed like this and I think that Russell handled the topic beautifully. The everyday sexism that women face can really grind us down but often goes completely unrecognised by the people around us and even sometimes ourselves and this book just shines a light on that.
Seeing the characters realise the mistakes that they have been making and try to fix this was super interesting, whether they were likeable or not. Personally my favourites were Ruth and Ian who really seemed to grow on this small journey.
I love that we have no idea, for the vast majority of the story, where Laura is or what she’s getting up to. I could not wait to find out what was going on, especially as it became clear that she had left behind some clues (or really tricks, I suppose). The ending was so satisfying and I absolutely loved every moment of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received Laura Clark is Away from Her Desk as an Arc through NetGalley. I had been hearing great things and thought this would be right up my alley, it was and wasn’t at the same time.
Laura Clark is Away from Her Desk is the story of Laura, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a coworker, a friend who is unbeknownst to those in her life, the metaphorical glue holding them together. We see early on the way that Laura’s absence affects those around her in big ways almost immediately. From the way her daughter and husband seemingly can’t fend for themselves, to the way her coworkers are practically inept without her.
I think the book does a great job at exploring all of the emotional, physical, and mental labor that many women, especially wives and mothers do. However the one thing that stood out to me was just how badly adapted these people seemed to be. It was almost extreme the way they knew ABSOLUTELY nothing about her. One instance that stood out to be was pretty early on when the father and daughter couldn’t even recall a single thing Laura liked to wear.
Overall I think the book had some fantastic moments and I did appreciate a look into just how often women are expected to do this kind of work without appreciation and acknowledgment, but I didn’t think we needed 400+ pages to get there.
Laura Clark is Away from Her Desk is the story of Laura, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a coworker, a friend who is unbeknownst to those in her life, the metaphorical glue holding them together. We see early on the way that Laura’s absence affects those around her in big ways almost immediately. From the way her daughter and husband seemingly can’t fend for themselves, to the way her coworkers are practically inept without her.
I think the book does a great job at exploring all of the emotional, physical, and mental labor that many women, especially wives and mothers do. However the one thing that stood out to me was just how badly adapted these people seemed to be. It was almost extreme the way they knew ABSOLUTELY nothing about her. One instance that stood out to be was pretty early on when the father and daughter couldn’t even recall a single thing Laura liked to wear.
Overall I think the book had some fantastic moments and I did appreciate a look into just how often women are expected to do this kind of work without appreciation and acknowledgment, but I didn’t think we needed 400+ pages to get there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the best novel I’ve read in a very long time. It’s funny, satirical, sad, moving, revelatory about a woman’s place in the world.
Set in the HR department of Imerco Crane Hire, we encounter a disparate team of HR professionals. But gradually it emerges that the team manager, Laura, seems not to be about for some reason. No one seems to know why nor is able to find out. This is the high concept behind the novel where the principal character doesn’t appear. Think of ‘Waiting for Godot’ or The Banker in ‘Deal or no Deal’.
Later we encounter Laura’s grossly insensitive husband, Mark, and alienated daughter, Sian. There is Laura’s best friend, Ruth, a first-time mother in her forties with twins, providing insight into the exhaustion of motherhood.
But this is not a misery memoir. It’s often laugh-out-loud funny as we watch this group of hapless and often ineffective individuals muddle their way through life until we arrive at the reveal of Laura’s situation.
If you’re looking for contemporary fiction that’s smart, funny and sad by turns, then certainly give this novel a try.
Set in the HR department of Imerco Crane Hire, we encounter a disparate team of HR professionals. But gradually it emerges that the team manager, Laura, seems not to be about for some reason. No one seems to know why nor is able to find out. This is the high concept behind the novel where the principal character doesn’t appear. Think of ‘Waiting for Godot’ or The Banker in ‘Deal or no Deal’.
Later we encounter Laura’s grossly insensitive husband, Mark, and alienated daughter, Sian. There is Laura’s best friend, Ruth, a first-time mother in her forties with twins, providing insight into the exhaustion of motherhood.
But this is not a misery memoir. It’s often laugh-out-loud funny as we watch this group of hapless and often ineffective individuals muddle their way through life until we arrive at the reveal of Laura’s situation.
If you’re looking for contemporary fiction that’s smart, funny and sad by turns, then certainly give this novel a try.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Laura Clark is all things to all men. As a 40 something she is mum to her actual daughter, her husband, mother, her work colleagues, her neighbours and anyone else who has decided to take advantage of her, but today she is not responding. Not even reading her messages. Out of office on.
Laura is captivating by her absence, the lives of others around her crumbling because she is not there to sort it out for them. For most of the novel you only know about her through the reactions of others. She is described only as being shorter than her daughter and favouring oatmeal, meaning beige.
I thought this book would be funny but I found it dreadfully bleak in a compelling way. I think women in big jobs with way too many responsibilities will inevitably see themselves and feel the call of leaving it all behind and running away, if that is what Laura did.
I was absolutely captivated throughout and that was genuinely one of the best books I've ever read.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review
5 stars is not enough stars
Laura is captivating by her absence, the lives of others around her crumbling because she is not there to sort it out for them. For most of the novel you only know about her through the reactions of others. She is described only as being shorter than her daughter and favouring oatmeal, meaning beige.
I thought this book would be funny but I found it dreadfully bleak in a compelling way. I think women in big jobs with way too many responsibilities will inevitably see themselves and feel the call of leaving it all behind and running away, if that is what Laura did.
I was absolutely captivated throughout and that was genuinely one of the best books I've ever read.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review
5 stars is not enough stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Laura Hughes Is Away From Her Desk – 3 Stars
I started this novel with high expectations, especially after reading the synopsis and the early reviews. Almost immediately, though, I found myself feeling frustrated and even angry — not because the writing was weak, but because it was too effective.
Watching how the people around Laura responded to her absence was deeply upsetting. Her husband, daughter and mother seemed to center their concern on how they were affected, rather than on Laura herself. The same was true of her colleagues, whose reactions focused almost entirely on what Laura did for them. As a reader, I kept thinking: did anyone truly see this woman?
It isn’t until well past the midpoint that the characters begin to evolve. This shift starts with Ian, whose growing awareness of Laura’s influence — and his realization that he is capable in his own right — made him more likeable and self-reliant. Gradually, others follow: her husband and daughter begin to take initiative and show pride as they learn to cope with Laura’s absence.
Throughout much of the book, my recurring thought was, did this woman ever get to experience happiness in her life at all? That question lingered heavily — and intentionally. When we finally meet Laura, I felt a sense of hope that had been missing for much of the story, and that hope is what ultimately earned this book three stars.
While this wasn’t an easy or comfortable read for me, it’s clear the author is a talented writer. The emotional response this book provoked speaks to the strength of the storytelling, even when it made me deeply uncomfortable.
I started this novel with high expectations, especially after reading the synopsis and the early reviews. Almost immediately, though, I found myself feeling frustrated and even angry — not because the writing was weak, but because it was too effective.
Watching how the people around Laura responded to her absence was deeply upsetting. Her husband, daughter and mother seemed to center their concern on how they were affected, rather than on Laura herself. The same was true of her colleagues, whose reactions focused almost entirely on what Laura did for them. As a reader, I kept thinking: did anyone truly see this woman?
It isn’t until well past the midpoint that the characters begin to evolve. This shift starts with Ian, whose growing awareness of Laura’s influence — and his realization that he is capable in his own right — made him more likeable and self-reliant. Gradually, others follow: her husband and daughter begin to take initiative and show pride as they learn to cope with Laura’s absence.
Throughout much of the book, my recurring thought was, did this woman ever get to experience happiness in her life at all? That question lingered heavily — and intentionally. When we finally meet Laura, I felt a sense of hope that had been missing for much of the story, and that hope is what ultimately earned this book three stars.
While this wasn’t an easy or comfortable read for me, it’s clear the author is a talented writer. The emotional response this book provoked speaks to the strength of the storytelling, even when it made me deeply uncomfortable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So I thought, after reading a synopsis, it's going to be a funny, light - hearted read with tons of humorous moments. It turns out, it was not this kind of read. I tried, I really tried, but in the end I was simply bored with this book.
I think I'd rather read a story from Laura's point of view, what she's planning to do after her disappearance than reading all the other points of view that actually led to... nothing?
Sure, I get what the book tried to tell us, but the execution was actually poor. The characters were not interesting and their stories dull and dry.
I think that there was so much potential in this book, because I liked the message, but the execution leaves much to be desired. You can understand Laura, of course, that's why I'd like to hear from her, but the other characters are simply so frustrating and stereotyped that I've eventually started to skip huge parts of the book.
While the book was not this what I hoped/expected it to be, Helen Russell is a great writer who has brilliant ways with words.
I think I'd rather read a story from Laura's point of view, what she's planning to do after her disappearance than reading all the other points of view that actually led to... nothing?
Sure, I get what the book tried to tell us, but the execution was actually poor. The characters were not interesting and their stories dull and dry.
I think that there was so much potential in this book, because I liked the message, but the execution leaves much to be desired. You can understand Laura, of course, that's why I'd like to hear from her, but the other characters are simply so frustrating and stereotyped that I've eventually started to skip huge parts of the book.
While the book was not this what I hoped/expected it to be, Helen Russell is a great writer who has brilliant ways with words.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An interesting story centered around a mostly relatable main character, who (this is the interesting part) isn't actually present.
The life of our main character, Laura, will definitely feel familiar to any under-appreciated, over-worked and sometimes over-looked women (so about 99% of them), and I liked the idea of getting to know a character by their absence rather than their presence.
While I did enjoy this book for the most part, I did find it a bit slow and found I wasn't thinking about it when I wasn't reading it - I was never rushing back to finish a chapter or to find out more. All of the other characters are quite un-likeable, bar one or two, which while I understand is the point (and the reason Laura needed to get 'away from her desk'), it just made it hard to connect with anyone other than our missing MC.
Overall a witty and easy read with an important message, but don't pick this up expecting a thrill.
The life of our main character, Laura, will definitely feel familiar to any under-appreciated, over-worked and sometimes over-looked women (so about 99% of them), and I liked the idea of getting to know a character by their absence rather than their presence.
While I did enjoy this book for the most part, I did find it a bit slow and found I wasn't thinking about it when I wasn't reading it - I was never rushing back to finish a chapter or to find out more. All of the other characters are quite un-likeable, bar one or two, which while I understand is the point (and the reason Laura needed to get 'away from her desk'), it just made it hard to connect with anyone other than our missing MC.
Overall a witty and easy read with an important message, but don't pick this up expecting a thrill.
February 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 stars
A unique concept for me as the main character that the book focuses on isn’t actually present in the book/dialogue itself as such which was very intriguing.
Multiple view points between colleagues, family and friends which kept you on your toes, I did sometimes find this hard to keep up with but is pretty essential to the story.
I did struggle at times with the plot itself just as we spend quite a bit of time hearing a lot about people’s incompetence and inadequacies, some of this may have been able to be snipped out as it did feel a little drawn out at points.
The message of the book does shine through in that a lot of the things that people do go unnoticed until they are no longer there to do them and that essentially you don’t truly know what you have until it’s gone.
Overall an enjoyable read and a nice change of pace from some of the other books on the market.
Thank you NetGalley, Headline & Hatchette for my advanced copy
A unique concept for me as the main character that the book focuses on isn’t actually present in the book/dialogue itself as such which was very intriguing.
Multiple view points between colleagues, family and friends which kept you on your toes, I did sometimes find this hard to keep up with but is pretty essential to the story.
I did struggle at times with the plot itself just as we spend quite a bit of time hearing a lot about people’s incompetence and inadequacies, some of this may have been able to be snipped out as it did feel a little drawn out at points.
The message of the book does shine through in that a lot of the things that people do go unnoticed until they are no longer there to do them and that essentially you don’t truly know what you have until it’s gone.
Overall an enjoyable read and a nice change of pace from some of the other books on the market.
Thank you NetGalley, Headline & Hatchette for my advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded up
This was a funny and quietly sharp read. I was drawn in by the cover and the title, and the story delivers a familiar truth. Laura is the person who does everything. At home, she is invisible despite having a job. At work, she carries the company on her back, works unpaid overtime, and is taken for granted. The book is a reminder of what happens when the person who holds everything together disappears. Panic follows. Only then does everyone realize how much they depended on her. What surprised me most was seeing myself in Laura’s husband. My husband handles most things at home, and this book gave me an honest nudge to do better. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I wished we heard more directly from Laura throughout the book rather than mainly at the end. Still, it was an enjoyable, funny, and thoughtful read. Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the advance copy.
This was a funny and quietly sharp read. I was drawn in by the cover and the title, and the story delivers a familiar truth. Laura is the person who does everything. At home, she is invisible despite having a job. At work, she carries the company on her back, works unpaid overtime, and is taken for granted. The book is a reminder of what happens when the person who holds everything together disappears. Panic follows. Only then does everyone realize how much they depended on her. What surprised me most was seeing myself in Laura’s husband. My husband handles most things at home, and this book gave me an honest nudge to do better. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I wished we heard more directly from Laura throughout the book rather than mainly at the end. Still, it was an enjoyable, funny, and thoughtful read. Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5*/5 rounded up
This was bleak but written in a charming way? The idea that you are overlooked and mistreated and ignored in literally every aspect of your life, and the only way to make things better for yourself and everyone around you is to disappear completely in such a way that the police need to be involved, is devastating.
You are worried for Laura even though you do not catch up with her until the very end of the novel. You are angry for her even as you are angry with her for just walking away, but you begrudgingly understand why she has done it.
Everyone reaching their potential and exploring their own possibilities was great - the character development for everyone really worked, but for them to do it only once the title character had removed herself from their lives entirely was dismal.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
This was bleak but written in a charming way? The idea that you are overlooked and mistreated and ignored in literally every aspect of your life, and the only way to make things better for yourself and everyone around you is to disappear completely in such a way that the police need to be involved, is devastating.
You are worried for Laura even though you do not catch up with her until the very end of the novel. You are angry for her even as you are angry with her for just walking away, but you begrudgingly understand why she has done it.
Everyone reaching their potential and exploring their own possibilities was great - the character development for everyone really worked, but for them to do it only once the title character had removed herself from their lives entirely was dismal.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In theory, this should have been a real delight and a light, funny read. And in many ways, it was. But I couldn’t get over just how annoying everyone in Laura’s life was. I think this is a case of over exaggeration of a very common experience, in which women are exploited for their unpaid labor. However, I really couldn’t imagine how Laura would have survived for that long with such egregious mistreatment. Basically, this story was just a little too unbelievable to make me actually buy into it.
Also, I didn’t really understand what the role of her best friend was, other than portraying a tangential point of how hard it is to be an older mom in the workforce.
Definitely funny, but probably too long for its purpose.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
Also, I didn’t really understand what the role of her best friend was, other than portraying a tangential point of how hard it is to be an older mom in the workforce.
Definitely funny, but probably too long for its purpose.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An entertaining and fun read that had me laughing out loud. From Laura's office mates, to her cheating husband, and to her narcissistic mother, her life was not what she'd hoped. Everyone carried on, however, despite continually wondering where Laura had gone. Some of the people in her life even learned they could do things for themselves without relying solely on Laura and the many roles she played- wife, mother, baker, cleaner, shopper, etc. The author cleverly described the symptoms and the feelings of middle-aged women who become dissatisfied with their lives. Laura Clark took a break from her life, finding herself in the process. A fun and quick read.
Thank you to author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.
Thank you to author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to netgalley for a copy of this arc!
honestly, this book felt like every character weaponising their incompetency until the very end. the concept that was explored here was interesting, but it didn’t feel like there was much of a plot going on initially. i don’t think that i was the target audience for this book if im honest, as i couldn’t really relate to it but i can see the point that the author is trying to make. she is commenting on how much women dedicate to all aspects of their lives without being seen by the people that they do those things for. i liked the multiple points of view during the book. i would probably recommend to a friend, even though it was a little bit slow.
honestly, this book felt like every character weaponising their incompetency until the very end. the concept that was explored here was interesting, but it didn’t feel like there was much of a plot going on initially. i don’t think that i was the target audience for this book if im honest, as i couldn’t really relate to it but i can see the point that the author is trying to make. she is commenting on how much women dedicate to all aspects of their lives without being seen by the people that they do those things for. i liked the multiple points of view during the book. i would probably recommend to a friend, even though it was a little bit slow.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Laura Clark is Away From Her Desk is about what happens to those around her when a woman in her forties disappears one day. The story doesn’t dwell on the possibility of foul play, instead focusing on how inept her family and colleagues are without her. The book is clever and funny, yet the characters are so pathetic the only one I had any real concern for was her teenage daughter. Her selfish husband doesn’t think to put food on the table and at work, no one else can get the elevator fixed. The point being no one even notices Laura’s worth as a person, which I’m sure many woman can understand. The book was a bit long, yet well written. With thanks to Netgalley and Headline for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
January 27, 2026
This was a truly special story about someone living a seemingly very ordinary life who just had enough of it. The structure of the book was incredibly well done. You get a small taste of what Laura Clark is like and then you see her out of office message and then you hear only from the people who have been affected by her absence-husband, daughter, mother, best friend, co-workers, for the almost the entirety of the book. It is a maddening read to see how all these people take advantage of her and satisfying to see how they crash out in her absence. There is some growth (from a little to a lot for some characters) and beautiful connection and I really really really enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the early read. As a 49-year-old woman, much of this book resonated with me. Laura is exhausted. She cares for everyone, but who cares for her?
This story really does illuminate the life of a middle-aged woman. Everyone counts on us, and we do it all, but then we look up and half our life Is behind us.
It is a good read, and I think most women in Laura's situation would dream of doing what she did.
I do believe it went on a bit too long, and I still do not understand the elevator bit. I really enjoyed Ian's character. I could just picture him. And I was happy Sian matured and stopped being so awful.
A good book I definitely recommend.
This story really does illuminate the life of a middle-aged woman. Everyone counts on us, and we do it all, but then we look up and half our life Is behind us.
It is a good read, and I think most women in Laura's situation would dream of doing what she did.
I do believe it went on a bit too long, and I still do not understand the elevator bit. I really enjoyed Ian's character. I could just picture him. And I was happy Sian matured and stopped being so awful.
A good book I definitely recommend.
February 27, 2026
Like many middle-aged women, Laura Clark is invisible and largely taken for granted despite all she does for others. Unappreciated by her family and most of her colleagues, just how much she does do for them becomes all too apparent when she suddenly disappears one day without any explanation...
What those who most interacted with Laura will come to realise is that there was far more to her than met the eye. But is it too late for them to make amends
A funny and acutely observed story, this will resonate with many, even if one or two of the twists took things a bit too far! It earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
What those who most interacted with Laura will come to realise is that there was far more to her than met the eye. But is it too late for them to make amends
A funny and acutely observed story, this will resonate with many, even if one or two of the twists took things a bit too far! It earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
One day, the family, friends and colleagues of Laura Clark discover a gap where she usually resides. Life is more complicated without her presence, but where has she gone?
This novel is a lot of fun. The cast of characters are well drawn and the constant shifts in perspective, keep the plot barrelling along. The central intrigue is captivating, though not subtle and there is inspiration in the chaos Laura leaves.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is a lot of fun. The cast of characters are well drawn and the constant shifts in perspective, keep the plot barrelling along. The central intrigue is captivating, though not subtle and there is inspiration in the chaos Laura leaves.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Who is Laura Clark?
To her colleagues, she's an invisible forty-something HR manager, emailing about lift repairs and quietly stocking the meeting-room snacks.
To her golf-obsessed husband and selfie-obsessed teenage daughter, she's the reliable constant - dinner on the table, mess cleaned away, needs met without thanks.
To her elderly mother, she's a patient ear for endless complaints.
Laura Clark is the woman everyone relies on. And barely anyone sees.
But one day Laura puts on her 'out of office' message - and doesn't come back. And soon, everyone's formerly ordered lives quickly begin to descend into all-out chaos.
Where has Laura gone?
Has something terrible happened to her?
Or has she - unthinkably - decided to finally give her own life the finger?
To find out, the people in her life must realise that, maybe, they never really knew Laura Clark at all . . .
I was not sure what to expect from this book, my usual go to genres are crime fiction or psychological thrillers.
I started reading the book, and was intrigued and hooked from the start.
This book was sooooo relatable, I laughed out loud in several spots and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This could have been a true story about any woman in the world! So realistic and true.
The writing style flowed, there was no clunky chapters, I enjoyed the interspersal of the postcards from the past.
This is one book that i will highly recommend and will tell all of my dragon friends and IG community about and demand they buy it.
I want to buy the book when it comes out so that I can read it again and again, and lend it out.
I loved the development of the relationship between the father and daughter and the progression of the best friends motherhood journey.
Helen Russell has hit it out of the park.
Amazing.
To her colleagues, she's an invisible forty-something HR manager, emailing about lift repairs and quietly stocking the meeting-room snacks.
To her golf-obsessed husband and selfie-obsessed teenage daughter, she's the reliable constant - dinner on the table, mess cleaned away, needs met without thanks.
To her elderly mother, she's a patient ear for endless complaints.
Laura Clark is the woman everyone relies on. And barely anyone sees.
But one day Laura puts on her 'out of office' message - and doesn't come back. And soon, everyone's formerly ordered lives quickly begin to descend into all-out chaos.
Where has Laura gone?
Has something terrible happened to her?
Or has she - unthinkably - decided to finally give her own life the finger?
To find out, the people in her life must realise that, maybe, they never really knew Laura Clark at all . . .
I was not sure what to expect from this book, my usual go to genres are crime fiction or psychological thrillers.
I started reading the book, and was intrigued and hooked from the start.
This book was sooooo relatable, I laughed out loud in several spots and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This could have been a true story about any woman in the world! So realistic and true.
The writing style flowed, there was no clunky chapters, I enjoyed the interspersal of the postcards from the past.
This is one book that i will highly recommend and will tell all of my dragon friends and IG community about and demand they buy it.
I want to buy the book when it comes out so that I can read it again and again, and lend it out.
I loved the development of the relationship between the father and daughter and the progression of the best friends motherhood journey.
Helen Russell has hit it out of the park.
Amazing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I know this book was satire, but it was still a little too much for me. The characters in the book (especially the husband, Mark) were so incompetent, it was amazing that they were able to live their lives at all-even with the help of Laura. Even though the characters evolve as the book progresses, there is just too much of the fumbling around. However, I do see this book making for a good book club discussion. There are a lot of points made by the author that I would love to dig in more.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A clever book about a woman that everyone can relate to. Laura is under appreciated at work, home, by her mother and especially by her father. She leads a very mundane life, where she is never being recognized by anything she does. She is almost a door mat to everyone in her life, but then she turns up missing. The people in her life slowly start to realize how much they rely on her for everything, and all the kid things she does for others that is taken for granted. A wonderful story that will leave you smiling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Laura Clark is Away from Her Desk” is an exploration of the load carried by women in every facet of their lives. When the load gets too heavy, what do they do?
Everyone here is clearly a caricature. They’re so over-the-top as to be absurd - even Laura herself. And yet, I challenge anyone reading not to see themselves or some part of their lives in this story.
3 1/2 stars rounded up. I struggled a bit with the writing style and the slow pace, but things picked up and I enjoyed the ending.
Everyone here is clearly a caricature. They’re so over-the-top as to be absurd - even Laura herself. And yet, I challenge anyone reading not to see themselves or some part of their lives in this story.
3 1/2 stars rounded up. I struggled a bit with the writing style and the slow pace, but things picked up and I enjoyed the ending.
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