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‘It was the first time I saw myself in literature’: Penguin authors on the book they wish they read in school

Atlas and Skye

Emma Smith-Barton was born in South Wales to Pakistani parents. Growing up between cultures has heavily influenced her writing and she is especially interested in exploring themes of identity and belonging. Before writing, she taught in secondary schools for six years and is passionate about increasing awareness of mental health in young people. Her short stories have appeared in various publications such as Mslexia and The Bristol Short Story Prize 2016 anthology (under her pseudonym for adult fiction, Amna Khokher). The Million Pieces of Neena Gill was Emma's first novel for young adults. It was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020; the Branford Boase Award 2020; and the Romantic Novelists' Association Debut Romantic Novel 2020.

Emma Smith-Barton

Emily Barr, author of The One Memory of Flora Banks

An honest, thought-provoking story about grief and mental health

[P]owerful stuff . . . a refreshing and realistic spin on the average teen romance.

Smith-Barton . . . writes powerfully about mental health, psychosis and growing up between cultures

WOW! The Million Pieces Of Neena Gill is an authentic, compelling &amp; touching portrayal of teenage Neena's journey through the deterioration of her mental health

Abigail Tarttelin, author of Golden Boy and Dead Girls

This novel thoughtfully and sensitively portrays a teenage experience of psychosis, a mental illness rarely written about. A masterful piece of storytelling.

How can I hold myself together, when everything around me is falling apart? 
 
Neena's always been a good girl - great grades, parent-approved friends and absolutely no boyfriends. But ever since her brother Akash left her, she's been slowly falling apart - and uncovering a new version of herself who is altogether more dangerous. 
 
As her wild behaviour spirals more and more out of control, Neena's grip on her sanity begins to weaken too. And when her parents announce not one but two life-changing bombshells - including that they want her to have an arranged marriage - she finally reaches breaking point. But as Neena is about to discover, when your life falls apart, only love can piece you back together.

Emma Smith-Barton

Praise for The Million Pieces of Neena Gill

Powerful, relatable and uplifting

An honest, thought-provoking story about grief and mental health

[P]owerful stuff . . . a refreshing and realistic spin on the average teen romance.

Powerful, relatable and uplifting

An honest, thought-provoking story about grief and mental health

[P]owerful stuff . . . a refreshing and realistic spin on the average teen romance.

Powerful, relatable and uplifting

An honest, thought-provoking story about grief and mental health

[P]owerful stuff . . . a refreshing and realistic spin on the average teen romance.

Books by Emma Smith-Barton

Articles featuring Emma Smith-Barton

‘It was the first time I saw myself in literature’: Penguin authors on the book they wish they read in school

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