Rowling’s first novel aimed at adults has leaked early, weeks ahead of its release, with many publications defying an embargo on reviews to lay into the Harry Potter author’s new novel.

After the phenomenal success of the Harry Potter series, much has been expected of the new novel, with some dubbing the book the publishing event of the year.u00a0It is set in an English village called Pagford and revolves around a conflict between middle-class neighbours.