The beginning of a relationship is usually all about getting to know each other, sharing stories far into the night, comparing experiences, triumphs and heartaches, until we know one another inside out. Not so for Dave and Alena. He's from London, she's from Siberia. They meet in a sleek Bond Street department store in the frayed heat of high summer, where she's up to no good and it's his job to catch her. So begins an unlikely relationship between two people with pasts, with secrets, they've no idea how to live with—or leave behind. But despite everything they don't have in common, all the details they won't and can't reveal, they still find themselves fighting with all they've got for a future together. An unconventional, will-they-won't-they love story, that takes us from London to Siberia, and from hope to heartbreak, and back again. Thirst is the heart-wrenching, life-affirming second novel from Kerry Hudson, whose debut Tony Hogan Brought Me an Ice-cream Float Before He Stole My Ma was one of the most talked about UK debuts of 2012 and was shortlisted for an array of prizes, including the Guardian First Novel Award and the Sky Arts Awards. Praise for Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice-cream Float Before he Stole My Ma 'more than just one of the best debuts of the year; one of the best books of the year. It should do for Aberdeen what Trainspotting did for Edinburgh' Louise Welsh, Herald 'Colourful, funny, joyful and compelling' Observer 'There's little doubt that this young writer is going to be a star' Rosemary Goring, Herald Scotland 'A laugh out loud read' In Style 'Real and heartfelt... Hudson avoids the usual sentimental clich�s and gives us, without a shred of hipster cynicism, the hope and tough warmth for which she has such a sharp eye' Jenn Ashworth, Guardian 'Kerry Hudson's fine, eloquent debut novel traces the peripatetic childhood of Janie Ryan...her tale is full of warmth and bittersweet humour' David Evans, Financial Times