Prize-winning NAW writer Edmund Bealby-Wright's debut novel is a comedy of bad manners that follows a pilgrimage by coach to discover the soul of the composer Haydn. Beautifully structured, and informed by Edmund's clear affection for music and musicians, this is a wonderfully sustained tour de force of comic writing. And as with all the best comedies, it's funny because it's true. Or not true, exactly, but serious. It's funny because it's heart-breaking. 

From the acknowledgements: 'Having masterclassed an excerpt, the Director of the National Academy of Writing Richard Beard read the entire ragged opus and with his superfine mind helped me form it into a presentable final draft. Did I say presentable? I meant prize-winning.' 

This Farewell Symphony is available here, and can be ordered from all bookshops. 

Edmund's website and blog is here.