We’re thrilled to welcome Lucas Oakeley to Lala Books to celebrate the release of his debut novel Nearly Departed — a darkly funny, ghost-haunted story of love, loss, and modern dating.

Joel Foster is a hapless twenty-something. His girlfriend, Beth Lewis, would likely have been a hapless twenty-something, too, had she not been obliterated by a very large cement truck. Some time after Beth’s tragic death, Joel is still trying to juggle grief with the world of modern dating. And while he still feels like a widower, he has to find a new love before three years is up.

The catch? Just as Joel thinks he’s finally falling for someone, he starts getting haunted by Beth. It’s not a ghost story, it’s a love story. With ghosts.

Lucas is a writer and journalist who’s written for GQ, VOGUE, The Independent, National Geographic, The Guardian, The Economist, and more. He was a finalist for the Guild of Food Writers’ Food Writing award in 2020, and his short stories and poetry have appeared in The Fence, Helicon Magazine, and Reasons To Be Cheerful.

Lucas will be joined in conversation by writer and narrator Ben Mercer. His debut Fringes, a memoir about life as a professional rugby player, was a surprise bestseller. Ben has since gone on to judge the TikTok Book Awards, lead the TikTok Book Club, and writes The Outlier on Substack.

Tickets include a complimentary drink on arrival, with doors opening at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

If you want to attend but are unable to afford this event right now, please use the free ticket option for this event, or if sold out, email us at hello@lalabooks.london. We have a limited number of free tickets and books available under our community pay it forward scheme.

Lucas Oakeley in conversation with Ben Mercer