The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr

A big-hearted and charming story about ordinary lives

By: Frances Maynard

Narrated by: Charlie Sanderson

Funny, heart-warming and ultimately triumphant, The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr by Frances Maynard is a story for anyone who doesn’t quite fit in – and for everyone who chooses not to. Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

'Wonderful' – Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't Call

Elvira Carr is twenty-seven, neurodivergent and has never lived alone. But her father – who she suspects was in the secret service – is dead, and when her mother has a stroke and is taken into care, Elvira suddenly finds herself home alone. In order to cope, Elvira – who knows a lot about biscuits and supermarkets, but not much about life – develops Seven Rules for interacting with others. Not even her rules can help her, however, when she’s faced with solving a mystery she didn’t know existed . . .

'Big-hearted and charming' – James Hannah, author of The A to Z of You and Me

Critic reviews

Big-hearted and charming . . . Elvira manages to conjure up the one thing we could all do with: a cheat sheet for the painful puzzle of everyday life (James Hannah, author of The A to Z of You and Me)

Charming . . . Ellie will make readers smile and occasionally want to take her under a protective arm (Booklist)

'A heartwarming coming-of-age story. Perfect for book clubs and for readers who enjoyed The Rosie Project'

A novel which will stick in your mind long after reading, stalking your thoughts as you go about everyday life . . . When I finished the book, I couldn’t help but wish there was a sequel . . . Marvellous (Ronnie Turner, blogger)

Funny and heartwarming

Memorable and touching . . . The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr is an important novel and a great read, with elements of mystery, discovering friendship, and working out how to be independent in the world

Sometimes characters come along in books that are so utterly exquisite you feel blessed to have experienced them and indebted to their author for having gifted to them. Such is the case with Elvira Carr . . . A tale that is full of joy, empathy, honesty and warmth (Jade Craddock, nudge-book.com)

Funny and heart-warming, Elvira is our new hero

Fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Rosie Project will love this endearing book . . . Heartwarming with a mystery at its centre . . . Elvira’s character is written with such genuine affection that you can’t help but root for her