This is a story about people coming together and looking out for each other. No person is an island, including Wilf Kelly, its hero. Many neighbours help him out on the quiet. Also on the quiet, Wilf tames a wild fox and goes on a voyage of self-discovery. Normally little happens in these mixed streets of families, retirees, podcasters and gossips. A little group creates a community garden. An ageing journalist writes nature columns. A left-wing Scotsman longs for the glory days when he interviewed Castro. A professor plans a book clearance. Supine Mario takes far too many drugs. When Wilf is accused of an awful crime, he becomes the target of a police and media firestorm. It’s a drama that galvanises not just the community but people from all around London.
A superbly written debut novel with a big heart, that will make you laugh, cry and remind you of the power of community spirit.
‘Be prepared to enter the world of Wilf Kelly – a neighbourhood of eclectic characters but all of whom are touched and united in some ways by the actions and consideration of Wilf – the “eccentric loner”. Wilf is neurodivergent and the local residents feel protective of him as he independently makes his own way through life. “Protected” by his childhood friend Felicia, Wilf navigates daily routines and expresses kindness through delivering copies of The Metro newspaper through people’s letterboxes. Felicia ensures that Wilf has the dignity to live his own life. When Wilf discovers a fox at the local cemetery, his routines change as he feels a unique bond to the animal and the rhythm of his daily life changes… but tragedy strikes, pulling the neighbourhood even closer together.
Richard Tyrell’s debut novel may at first seem a light read about local residents and their intertwined lives but this book has so much heart and depth that all of us will reflect upon the need for connecting to others in our communities in a world where isolation and loneliness is increasing and how amongst us there are people like Wilf who deserve so much respect and love from the wider world not the instant online social media /click-bait judgements. A moving and big-hearted read to begin 2026 with. Highly recommended to bring a bit of joy and compassion into your world.’ Waterstones Review FIVE STARS
‘Original and compelling.’ Daily Mail
‘The Best New Fiction: warm-hearted and observant, wonderfully capturing the thought processes of its unlikely hero.’ The Mail on Sunday
‘Couched in gentleness, this is the story of Wilf Kelly as he navigates his small world and dodges the unkind remarks about his supposed strangeness.’ Sainsbury Magazine Recommended Best Books
‘There is an abundance of heart and humour within these pages but mostly the tale is about how difference is treated when a person struggles to navigate social expectations. The depictions of his neighbours demonstrate what society will accept as crutches but also how someone such as Wilf can give back in ways rarely so well articulated. An engaging and original read that I highly recommend.’ Neverimitate blog
‘The Fox of Kensal Green – Wonderful.’ William Walsh, author of Haircuts for the Dead
Sales
- Salt Publishing UK & Comm ex Can (January 2026)
- Harper Perennial USA & Canada
- W F Howes Audio World English
- Automatica Editorial Spain and Latin America
- Editions Philippe Rey France