Might Cry Later
Meet Nora Byrne. Over-thinker, under-achiever, champion vibes-killer.
After spectacularly blowing up her life, twenty-one-year-old Nora Byrne retreats to the family home with little to show for herself but a shiny new autism diagnosis. But it's hard to process this news under the critical eye of her mother, who already treats her like the black sheep, and the rest of her less-than-understanding family.
Worst of all, it's the week before Christmas, which means mandatory socialising with the neighbours - including Fran, her childhood best friend, last seen when she broke his heart (again).
Nora's only goal is to get through the interminable family dinners, awkward Fran encounters and excessive holiday festivities without crying, throwing up, or finding new ways to humiliate herself. But with her track record, it's not going to be easy ...
A heartfelt, hilarious and romantic story about burning out, coming home and finding yourself, no matter how messy and imperfect the process.
What People Are Saying:
‘Finally, the messy, complex neurodivergent heroine I've been waiting for! I love Nora and I think you will, too.'
– Clem Bastow
‘Although Nora often feels like crying, throwing up, or that she’s on the verge of humiliation, she has a winning narrative voice. A blunt, often witty observer of herself and others, Nora makes heavy mental health themes relatable, as she tries to regain balance post-crisis.’
–The Saturday Age
‘Kerr strikes a healthy balance between emotional scenes and moments of simple joy. Nora’s humour remains a constant thread throughout, alternating between self-deprecating comments and witty, if blunt, observations about the people around her. Might Cry Later is a messy and tender neurodivergent coming-of-age story, perfect for fans of Emily Austin and Meg Mason.’
– Books+Publishing
‘Such a smart, funny, gorgeous evocation of the messy path to acceptance of self and others.’
– Laura McPhee-Browne
‘Kerr, an autistic author known for her non-fiction book Love & Autism, uses her amusingly awkward central character’s messy quest for love and life balance to explore serious themes.’
– The Canberra Times
‘Might Cry Later is a finely crafted contemporary novel that examines grief, personal transformation, and the uncertain transition into adulthood. It offers readers a heartfelt journey and an honesty that lingers long after the final page.’