Kara Gnodde grew up in Johannesburg on a diet of Dr Seuss and no TV. After graduating from the University of Cape Town, she joined Saatchis in London. She has lived in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore, and is settled back in the UK, where she lives with her husband and three children. Hearing a discussion on the radio about a maths problem that could change the world gave her a place to start The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything, her debut novel, Mantle (Pan Macmillan)’s lead fiction debut of spring 2023. The US edition (HarperCollins) was a Barnes & Noble monthly fiction pick.

Photo credit (c) Freya Gnodde

‘The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is (quite) wonderful. Happily, no math is required to find Kara Gnodde’s writing – rich with metaphor and passion – totally absorbing. A delight.’ – Katherine Heiny, author of Games and Rituals

'The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is such a special novel. Tender, unique and uplifting, it explores sibling love, romantic love and the love between friends. Such an accomplished debut.' – Beth O’Leary, author of The Flatshare

‘A delightfully clever tale of first love, loss and an unforgettable sibling relationship.’ – Marianne Cronin, author of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot

‘If this novel about mathematicians were a math problem, and Kara Gnodde set out to prove that love is varied, unpredictable, and infinite in its capacity to expand, then she's done it. I adored this quirky, big-hearted book.’ – Mary Beth Keane, author of Ask Again, Yes