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About The Book
A moving and heart-rending debut about a grieving woman who moves to a charming small town and finds healing, friendship and love, from multi-million-copy bestselling Australian poet Courtney Peppernell.
‘Courtney’s poetry is truly sublime and this beautiful novel is nothing short of soup for the soul.’ Lisa Wilkinson
Wren Paisley is living her dream: she’s a successful author and poet, she adores the New York brownstone she calls home and she’s about to marry the love of her life. But everything changes when her fiancée, Lucy, dies in a tragic car crash that leaves a young bystander paralysed. Unable to escape the media frenzy, Wren goes on a road trip, winding up in the charming small town of Everston, Colorado.
It feels fortuitous when she learns that the local library hosts a grief support group that reads, of all things, poetry. Hesitantly, she joins, and slowly begins to build community with the other members, including: Henry, a librarian mourning the loss of his brother; Emerson, a young woman recovering from a life-altering car accident; and Olivia, a complicated reporter who gives Wren butterflies. Finally, she can breathe again, and maybe even love again.
But how long can Wren keep her old life in the rear-view? Will she be able to build a new life in Everston, or will it all come crashing down when old truths come to light?
‘Courtney’s poetry is truly sublime and this beautiful novel is nothing short of soup for the soul.’ Lisa Wilkinson
Wren Paisley is living her dream: she’s a successful author and poet, she adores the New York brownstone she calls home and she’s about to marry the love of her life. But everything changes when her fiancée, Lucy, dies in a tragic car crash that leaves a young bystander paralysed. Unable to escape the media frenzy, Wren goes on a road trip, winding up in the charming small town of Everston, Colorado.
It feels fortuitous when she learns that the local library hosts a grief support group that reads, of all things, poetry. Hesitantly, she joins, and slowly begins to build community with the other members, including: Henry, a librarian mourning the loss of his brother; Emerson, a young woman recovering from a life-altering car accident; and Olivia, a complicated reporter who gives Wren butterflies. Finally, she can breathe again, and maybe even love again.
But how long can Wren keep her old life in the rear-view? Will she be able to build a new life in Everston, or will it all come crashing down when old truths come to light?
About The Author
Photograph © Sammy Graham
Courtney Peppernell is an internationally bestselling author, known for her moving poetry and storytelling. A multi–million-copy selling writer, her beloved Pillow Thoughts series, along with Watering the Soul, I Hope You Stay, Time Will Tell, and more, have resonated with readers around the world and have been translated into many languages. Blending themes of love, healing, and self-discovery, Courtney’s work spans both poetry and fiction, leaving a lasting impact in contemporary literature. She lives on the south coast of NSW with her partner and spends her days writing, always accompanied by her beloved dogs and chickens. For more, follow Courtney on Instagram and TikTok at @courtneypeppernell.
About The Reader
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia (February 23, 2026)
- Runtime: 12 hours and 55 minutes
- ISBN13: 9781761631900
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Raves and Reviews
‘Courtney’s poetry is truly sublime and this beautiful novel is nothing short of soup for the soul.’
– Lisa Wilkinson
‘This might be Peppernell’s first literary novel, but her skill as a poet is evident in her poised, lyrical writing, which often floats off the page. If you’re looking for a charming read with a side of poetry, pick up The Last Poem and shed a tear or two in the company of its endearing characters.’
– The Australian
'The Last Poem is a very well-written novel which explores the shape, texture and meaning of grief. Peppernell's characters are rich and their stories engaging ... This is the sort of novel you want to share with the people you love.'
– Good Reading
‘Courtney Peppernell has crafted a truly poetic masterpiece that represents every shape and layer of grief. The Last Poem is a heartfelt, raw, and deeply moving story of finding strength, healing, and hope in unexpected places … Whatever you do, do not miss this one.’
– Becka Mack, author of Consider Me
‘The Last Poem is a book with its heart cracked wide open, with all the riches of love and the steep cost of grief on display. Courtney Peppernell takes us on a journey from the darkest days of loss to the tender hope of new love and healing. Grab the tissue box and get ready to feel all the feels.’
– Amy Matthews, author of Someone Else’s Bucket List
‘A beautifully crafted novel about life, loss and finding love again, The Last Poem is the kind of book that both breaks your heart and heals it at the same time. I loved it!’
– Jess Kitching, author of The Life Experiment
Resources and Downloads
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Last Poem
Unabridged Audio Download 9781761631900
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Author Photo (jpg): Courtney Peppernell Photograph © Sammy Graham(0.1 MB)
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