Kate Maxwell was born in London, studied English at Oxford University and has worked as a journalist, editor and broadcaster in London and New York. She now works freelance as a content consultant for brands, and writes travel features for newspapers and magazines including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and Condé Nast Traveller, for which she is a contributing editor. 

Kate started writing her novel on a Faber Academy course and it was shortlisted for the Bridport Prize’s Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award. Virago published Hush in May 2022.

Twitter: @katemax

Praise for Hush:

‘Alternating between fulfilling-but-relentless days in New York and the fugue of early motherhood, this is an unflinching look at both work-as-identity and modern parenting.’ – Grazia, a Hot Debut

‘This beautifully written debut explores what it really means to choose to go it alone as a single mother, as well as the unforeseen consequences of that choice. . . I loved everything about this emotionally intelligent, compelling, raw and original book. Fabulous.’ – Daily Mail

‘A raw, affecting account of a phenomenon that is slowly being spoken about more openly, and one that easily cuts through the all-smiles, Insta-friendly version of new motherhood that we’re more familiar with.’ – Irish Independent

‘A richly textured, exciting and mysterious debut novel showing the push and pull of motherhood, career identity and what it means to be a woman with multiple sides. Relatable and entertaining. I was absolutely glued to it.’ – Emma Gannon, bestselling author of Olive and podcaster

‘A vivid, compelling story about the unspoken truths of motherhood, family and feminine ideals. Tender, unflinching and beautifully evoked.’ – Francesca Hornak, author of Seven Days of Us

‘Hush is a beautifully-written meditation on motherhood, identity and belonging – at once tender and resilient, incisive and heartbreaking. In this assured debut, Kate Maxwell captures how love grows and morphs and, ultimately, endures.’ – Charlotte Philby, author and journalist