Longlisted for the 2022 Dylan Thomas Prize
The Turkish variety are prized for their enlarged leaf bud, that’s where we put the heroin…
Cabbages. There’s a stash of heroin waiting to be imported, and no one seems sure what to do with it . . . But Ayla’s a gardener, and she has a plan. Offering a fresh and funny take on the machinery of the North London heroin trade, KEEPING THE HOUSE lifts the lid on a covert world thriving just beneath notice: not only in McDonald’s queues and men’s clubs, but in spotless living rooms and whispering kitchens. Spanning three generations, this is the story of the women who keep their family – and their family business – afloat, juggling everything from police surveillance to trickier questions of community, belonging and love.
“A brilliantly enthralling read. Tice Cin's potent crime caper marks the arrival of an intoxicating new voice.”
Irenosen Okojie, author of NUDIBRANCH
“KEEPING THE HOUSE drew me in from the first few lines. A glorious novel which thrums with feeling, illustrating the London community with a sharp and confident eye. Her characters are full and sure, and traverse their world with humour, boldness and love. Hope fills these pages.”
Caleb Azumah Nelson, author of OPEN WATER
“A beautiful novel – forgiving, meandering and sexy. Tice Cin makes prose ooze and breathe and cook. Her multilingual Tottenham Turkish-Cypriot characters are real people to me now. I love Damla, Cemile and Ayla very much.”
Yara Rodrigues Fowler, author of STUBBORN ARCHIVIST
“KEEPING THE HOUSE is a thrilling debut by a bold new talent: sparkling, polyphonic, and bristling with linguistic energy. Tice Cin has somehow fused experimental writing, crime fiction and the family saga together, while coolly inaugurating the London Turkish novel.”
Matthew Sperling, author of VIRAL and ASTROTURF
“KEEPING THE HOUSE is such a bold and yet poignant read: musical, nimble, affectionate and (thank GOD) rule-breaking.”
Lisa McInerney