Bad Girls Go Everywhere

Against her parents' wishes, Rin, a naïve but determined 21-year-old American is off to study acting at an unconventional London drama school. Rin longs to live boldly, and experience the sweeping, Heathcliff-style romance she's only read about. So far Rin's done everything right. This is her chance to do something daring. London 1968—the capital of cool. Electric, unpredictable, it's full of characters who are as seductive as they are unreliable. From the outset, Rin is torn between the demands of acting school and the glittering roller-coaster life of Chelsea, where every night promises adventure—or more often than not, disaster. A glamorous country weekend turns into a bungled jewel heist engineered by an unapologetically immoral former debutante. Rin is infatuated by an eccentric Polish prince until a late-night visit from police reveals the prince is smuggling art out of his borrowed mansion. A tempting film contract in Rome is revealed to be nothing more than a Fellini-esque smoke-and-mirrors scheme. Rin embarks on an affair with a famous actor whose romantic plate is fuller than she knew. Amidst the chaos, Rin is anchored by a loyal but eclectic crew: Bronwyn, a disinherited heiress with disastrous taste in men; Ilya, world-weary and enigmatic; Amanda, a scheming American stewardess; and Chris, a charismatic hustler keeping secrets. Eventually Rin's tumultuous Chelsea life takes its toll. She finds herself expelled from school and cut off financially. Determined to establish an acting career in London, Rin survives on a mixture of legitimate and not-so-legit jobs—from dubbing horror films to reading soft-core porn to a dotty dowager. But then she finds the romance she's yearned for with her friend Chris who might be the love of her life. Or her undoing. Funny, irreverent, romantic and unexpectedly touching, this provocative coming-of-age story is about defying expectations and chasing dreams. In the end London gives her everything she came searching for and more-independence, resilience and the courage to define her own life. This extraordinary journey in an extraordinary place captures the excitement and conflicts of a young woman on the verge of transformation. Through comic misadventure, heartbreak, and exhilarating realization, Rin will discover that sometimes getting gloriously lost is the only way to find yourself.

Honorable Mention-2026 New York Book Festival-Fiction

Early Reviews say:

"This is nothing short of spectacular. A lyrical combination of naiveté and wisdom. One that accesses memory and emotionality in such a flowing and relatable way that has the power to transport without noticeable movement. Ellen's voice is unique and embraceable."

Alan Zwiebel, Original SNL writer, Thurber Prize Winning Novelist

"Ellen Sherman, in her enchanting novel, totally captures the spirit of Swinging London in the 60s. We follow the trials and tribulations of Rin as she charges through London trying to make it as an actress and find Mr. Right. A fun, witty ride filled with familiar faces from the period. A must read for anyone needing a break from our challenging times."

Tracy Tynan, Author of Wear & Tear: The Threads of My Life. Costume Designer for Film & TV Including The Big Easy, Great Balls of Fire & Tuesdays With Morrie

"Ellen Sherman was front row center in absorbing Swinging London and she vividly captures it in this witty, delightful book. Do yourself a favor and read it!"

Rosie Shuster-Writer-Producer, Original Writer on SNL