BOULDER, Colo. — With 100 days remaining until publication, award-winning author and poet Linda Drattell is preparing for the release of her debut novel, The Peccadilloes of Filamena Phipps, a work of literary fiction that combines satire, magical realism, and social commentary.
Scheduled for release on October 15, 2026, the novel marks Drattell’s first full-length work of adult fiction following previous publications that include poetry collections and a children’s book. Published by Stairwell Books, the story examines themes of individuality, cultural acceptance, and the pressures of social conformity.
Set in the fictional community of North Chelsea, the novel centers on Filamena Phipps, an immigrant woman who struggles to find acceptance in a neighborhood where maintaining social status and conformity is highly valued. As she faces growing resistance from residents determined to preserve the existing order, Filamena chooses to challenge expectations rather than abandon her identity.
The story follows her decision to pursue public office after a series of personal setbacks, setting in motion events that disrupt long-established community dynamics. Alongside her political ambitions, her flourishing garden becomes a recurring symbol of independence and transformation throughout the narrative.
Told through multiple perspectives, including Filamena, one of her chief rivals, and the town’s mayor, the novel explores issues surrounding belonging, prejudice, and personal authenticity while incorporating elements of humor and magical realism.
Advance readers have praised the novel’s distinctive storytelling and comedic tone, highlighting its blend of satire with character-driven drama.
Drattell has previously earned recognition for her poetry through awards from Writer’s Digest and the Atlanta Review Poetry International Grand Prize. Her poetry collection Remember This Day received a Reader Views Bronze Award, while The Lighter Side of Horse Manure showcased her lighter literary style. She also co-authored the award-winning children’s book Who Wants to Be Friends With a Dragon?
According to the publisher, promotional activities leading up to the October release will include advance review copies, media outreach, and appearances at literary and speculative fiction events in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Drattell, who divides her time between Boulder, Colorado, and Barcelona, Spain, draws on decades of international experience in shaping the novel’s themes and characters. The Peccadilloes of Filamena Phipps is expected to appeal to readers of contemporary literary fiction that combines humor with thoughtful social observation.
