Lisa Owens

Lisa Owens is a British author known for her debut novel "Not Working" published in 2016, which follows a young woman who quits her job to find her true calling. The novel received significant attention for its exploration of millennial anxiety and career uncertainty in contemporary London. Prior to becoming a novelist, Owens worked as an editor at publishing houses including Granta Books and Rogers, Coleridge & White. She completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, where she developed early drafts of what would become "Not Working." Her work has been noted for its sharp observational humor and its examination of modern urban life, particularly focusing on themes of self-discovery and professional identity. "Not Working" has been translated into several languages and was published in multiple territories including the UK, US, and Germany. The rights to "Not Working" were optioned for television, though development status remains private. Owens lives in London and continues to write while maintaining a relatively low public profile.

Readers connect with Owens' portrayal of career uncertainty and quarter-life crisis in "Not Working." Many reviews note the authentic depiction of millennial experiences and internal monologues. Liked: - Sharp, witty observations about modern life - Short, diary-style chapters that maintain pace - Realistic portrayal of anxiety and directionlessness - Relatable protagonist for young urban professionals Disliked: - Plot feels meandering and unfocused for some readers - Character development seen as limited - Some found the protagonist self-absorbed - Resolution described as unsatisfying Ratings: - Goodreads: 3.5/5 (3,000+ ratings) - Amazon UK: 4/5 (100+ reviews) - Amazon US: 3.5/5 (50+ reviews) Sample reader comment: "Perfectly captures that peculiar mix of privilege and paralysis that defines so many twenty-somethings today" - Goodreads reviewer Most criticism centers on plot structure, with one Amazon reviewer noting: "Clever observations don't make up for lack of narrative direction."

Not Working (2016) A novel about Claire Flannery, who quits her job to find her true calling, leading to a year of self-examination and observations about modern urban life in London.

The Teachers Are Dead (2024) A literary suspense novel centered around a troubled London school where mysterious events unfold after a teacher's death.

Katherine Heiny writes about relationships and everyday life with similar observational humor and self-awareness. Her characters navigate dating, marriage, and personal growth while dealing with social awkwardness and life's absurdities.

Sloane Crosley examines modern life through personal essays and fiction that capture millennial experiences in urban settings. Her work features similar themes of career uncertainty and relationship dynamics with a focus on self-reflection.

Dolly Alderton writes about dating, friendship, and finding one's place in contemporary London. Her narratives blend memoir and fiction while exploring themes of growing up and navigating adult relationships.

Emma Jane Unsworth focuses on female protagonists dealing with career changes and personal identity in their thirties. Her work explores friendship dynamics and modern dating with emphasis on social media's impact on relationships.

Holly Bourne writes about mental health and relationships with emphasis on self-discovery. Her characters work through similar themes of perfectionism and anxiety while navigating career and personal life changes.