A beautifully written, multigenerational saga set in 1970s rural Ireland, centered around one family and the disappearance and return of the daughter of the family. Gorgeous lyrical language, and themes of faith, loss, identity and family bonds are dealt with sensitively and care. Set at a time where prejudice ran deep, and ‘differences’ were judged with suspicion, I fell in love with this family as they dealt with all life threw at them. Not read this author before, but definitely will again.

1970s, Knockagowny, in County Tipperary, Ireland, 18 yr. Old Moll walks away from her home. Her parents Paddy and Kit trace her as far as Dublin, but there the sightings end. For five long years they keep the faith, believing their girl will return. Then one day, now 23, Moll come home, but she is far from the same girl who left. She comes with many secrets, surprises and challenges. By books end it will deal with the issues of race, faith, family, love, heartbreak and sexual orientation.

Another terrific story by this author. He gets to the heart of family, people and their feelings, brings out emotions in his readers, and all without mawkish, overly sentimental writing. I love Kit and Paddy, their unconditional love and acceptance, their togetherness, at all life throws at them. Divided into three parts, this novel shows how love can weather many storms, how much family means and the strength it takes to get through a life. A book I thought about days after I finished, a wonder of. quiet book.

ARC by Netgalley.

The perfect book with a perfect blend of characters stuck in rigid belief patterns. Real insights into the way the characters think and the consequences of their choices. Original plot that will stay in your head. Highly recommend this novel! Brilliant! Perfect book club selection.

I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Moll's parents are devastated when their 20 year old daughter leaves one day without a word to anyone. Five years later, just as mysteriously she returns, full of stories of her different jobs in London but still no explanation, however, there are a few unexpected surprises. What a great start to the book! The writing and characters drew me right in--but then things changed. The author would drop a storyline and move on to another character before we had a chance to really get fully attached and invested. In the end, I was left disappointed and the feeling that I'd gotten a bunch of half stories.