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Esther is Now Following You

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

You have one new follower.

Esther first sees Ted walking in a park in London. They lock eyes and for a fraction of a second, she feels something she’s never felt before.

She starts by reading up about his life in Canada and his work as an actor. Then she watches every interview with him online. It isn’t long before she’s joined Ted’s fan site online where her and the ‘Tedettes’ stalk his every move.

When Ted gets a new celebrity girlfriend, Esther decides that things have gone far enough. She leaves her husband, takes all their savings, and buys a one-way ticket to Canada.

After all, Ted might not know it yet, but they are meant to be together – he just needs a little bit of persuading.

Esther is Now Following You is an irresistible debut novel about obsession and celebrity fandom.

© Tanya Sweeney 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Critics Review

‘It was SUCH a pleasure to read Esther. Tanya’s voice is so funny and moving. Esther’s story shows how trauma and loss can lead to fixation and mental illness. There’s such a sad story at the heart of the book but it’s told with great verve and lightness of touch. I really REALLY felt for her – and also for Johnny. The dialogue is chef’s kiss! This is such a great book - it’s hard to believe it's a first novel - it’s done with great confidence and conviction. People will LOVE it!’
Marian Keyes, No.1 Sunday Times bestseller
I loved this book. Messy Essie is a wonderful character. A wild ride of a read, funny yet poignant, it is a gripping page turner.
Liz Nugent, No.1 Bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond
'Light and dark all at once – sharply observed, full of heart, and easily the funniest book I’ve read this year, I adored it and was rooting for Esther right to the end.'
Andrea Mara, No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of No One Saw a Thing
Sharp, funny and written with a whole lot of heart.
Mary Watson, author of Irish Times bestseller The Cleaner
'Tanya Sweeney is a brilliant writer. She really has it all. A smart, funny, emotional new voice with the added bonus of perfect, snappy, zingy prose. Esther is Now Following You is funny and sad, dark and light, poignant and cringeworthy all at once. I honestly couldn't put it down. It had me laughing out loud at points, cringing behind my fingers at others, and had me close to tears. A brilliant book about growing up, wising up and realising what - and who - is important in life.'
Edel Coffey, No.1 Irish Times bestselling author of Breaking Point
A hugely impressive and compulsive debut, crackling with humour, real heart and piercing insight - and starring a heroine (or anti-heroine?) you won't soon forget. I devoured it in one glorious gulp.
Catherine Ryan Howard, internationally bestselling author of Burn After Reading
There are characters who captivate you while reading, but I guarantee Tanya Sweeney’s gloriously complex heroine will live in your head long after finishing Esther Is Now Following You...thrilling, hilarious, and at times, deeply moving. Sweeney manages to balance a compelling layered plot with an astute insight into women’s lives and the ease with which any one of us might slide into the darkness of online life. The assuredness of style and the sheer exhilaration of the storyline make this an absolute belter of a debut. Very soon, everyone will be following Esther!
Frances Crawford, author of A Bad, Bad Place
A debut novel about one woman’s emotional struggles deftly lays bare the dangers of obsession in the age of social media… Esther is Now Following You is a witty, riotous, and topical examination of extreme parasocial relationships and an exploration of the boundaries between fandom and obsession. You will feel yourself drawn into Esther’s quest, overwhelmed with the urge to share her but, ultimately, hoping she finds peace and contentment.
Bookseller
I completely loved it. It's a rare find when a book makes me laugh, sob and read late into the night - but this one managed all three! Esther is a brilliant character - I backed her all the way - even at her most derailed moments.
Emily Edwards
I loved this book. A perfect mix of mad bitch energy, desperate loneliness and the realities of Internet fandom. I loved and loathed Esther at various stages, but was rooting for her no matter what. The kind of debut everyone dreams of.
Emer McLysaght, author of Oh My God, What a Complete Aisling

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