National Book Month to Coincide with Release of Linda Drattell's Novel, 'The Peccadilloes of Filamena Phipps'

Award-winning poet/author brings humor, magical realism and sharp social commentary to a timely story about identity, belonging, and the pressures of conformity

BOULDER, CO, UNITED STATES, October 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- October is National Book Month, a celebration of books, reading, and the authors whose stories bring new perspectives to readers. This year, the month also marks the release of "The Peccadilloes of Filamena Phipps," a full-length adult novel from award-winning poet and author Linda Drattell, arriving October 15, 2026, from Stairwell Books.

Following a children's book she co-authored and two poetry collections she penned, Drattell makes her adult fiction debut with a satirical work of magical realism that explores individuality, social conformity, cultural acceptance, and the desire to belong.

Pre-orders of the book are currently available through Amazon, BarnesAndNoble.com, Bookshop.org, and other online book retailers.

Set in the affluent neighborhood of North Chelsea, the story follows Filamena Phipps, an immigrant woman who finds herself increasingly at odds with neighbors determined to preserve their carefully curated social order. Despite her efforts to adapt, Filamena remains an outsider. Viewed as different — and therefore threatening — she becomes the target of subtle exclusion and mounting pressure to conform.

Rather than surrender her identity, Filamena charts her own path. After dismissing her unfaithful husband, she launches a campaign for mayor, setting off a chain of events that challenges the community's established power structure. Meanwhile, her untamed garden grows alongside her political ambitions, becoming a symbol of change that her neighbors find increasingly difficult to control.

Told through the perspectives of Filamena, her chief antagonist Livia, and the town's incumbent mayor, the novel combines wit, satire, and magical realism to examine what happens when an individual refuses to conform to the expectations of the community around her.

Early readers have praised the novel's humor and originality.

"The interaction is often hilarious and reveals how kowtowing social climbers can be. This book kept me laughing and turning pages: I highly recommend this unique novel." — John G. Bluck, author of the Luke Ryder mystery-thriller series of novels.

The novel is expected to appeal to readers who enjoyed "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" and "Where'd You Go, Bernadette," offering a similarly memorable protagonist alongside incisive observations about modern society.

The October 15 release gives readers an opportunity to discover Drattell's novel during National Book Month, while also marking a significant new chapter in the author's literary career.

Drattell is an award-winning poet whose work has been recognized by Writer's Digest and the Atlanta Review Poetry International Grand Prize. Her previous books include the poetry collections "Remember This Day," recipient of a Reader Views Bronze Award, and "The Lighter Side of Horse Manure." She also co-authored the children's book "Who Wants to Be Friends With a Dragon?" a Distinguished Favorite Award winner in the Independent Press Awards.

Book Information
Title: "The Peccadilloes of Filamena Phipps"
Author: Linda Drattell
Category: Adult Upmarket/Literary Fiction
Genre: Magical Realism, Satire
Format: Paperback (216mm x 139mm)
Length: 357 pages
Price: £14.00 / $20.00
Publication Date: October 15, 2026
ISBN: 978-1-917334-33-4
Rights: World English Language

About the Author
Linda Drattell divides her time between Boulder, Colorado, and Barcelona, Spain. Having lived and worked in three world capitals on three continents, she draws upon a lifetime of international experiences to inform her writing. Her poetry and prose have appeared in literary magazines and anthologies, earning numerous awards and accolades. "The Peccadilloes of Filamena Phipps" is her debut novel. Find more on her official website at www.LindaDrattell.com.

Bruce Wawrzyniak
Now Hear This, Inc.
+1 813-854-8000
bruce@now-hear-this.net
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Linda Drattell interview on "Moments with Marianne"