Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Thrown by Sara Cox is her debut novel, a charming slice of life set around a pottery class in a small northern town. I’ve been listening to Sara on the radio for years, her warmth and humour have always made her one of my favourites, and I was curious to see how that translated onto the page. She also presents a book show on the BBC, so it felt natural that she’d eventually bring her love of stories into her own writing. From the very first chapter, it almost felt like I could hear her voice in my head narrating the story, with the same wit and friendliness she brings to the airwaves. The novel follows four very different women, Becky, Sheila, Jameela, and Connie, who come together through a local pottery class. What begins as a tentative gathering of strangers quickly becomes a tale of friendship, secrets, and second chances.

✅ What I Liked:
.I loved how Cox captured the quiet bravery of ordinary lives. Each woman has her own struggles. grief, loneliness, family pressures, and yet the pottery class becomes a safe place where they can find connection. The banter felt authentic, full of Northern wit, and the descriptions of the pottery process were surprisingly soothing to read. There’s a real sense of community that shines through, and I found myself rooting for every character in their own way.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
While I enjoyed each woman’s story, some threads felt stronger than others. A couple of characters had beautifully drawn arcs that really pulled me in, while others felt a little underexplored by comparison. It’s the kind of novel that shines in its group moments, but occasionally I wished for more time with the quieter voices in the mix.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you like cosy, character-driven fiction in the vein of Joanna Cannon or Beth O’Leary, this book will be right up your street. It’s not just about pottery, it’s about friendship, healing, and finding joy in unexpected places. This would be a great comfort read, especially if you want something heartwarming without being too saccharine.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Thrown is a lovely debut that feels grounded in real life but still manages to offer a bit of escapism. Cox has a talent for writing characters you’d happily sit and have a cup of tea with. As someone who has listened to her on the radio for years, it was a real treat to feel her voice and humour come through on the page, it made the book feel that much more personal.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A warm, witty, and comforting debut that celebrates friendship and community.