The alternatives

Caoilinn Hughes

£18.99

In stock

Equal parts hilarious and profound, The Alternatives is an urgent new novel from a major voice in Irish fiction

ISBN: 9780861545865 Category:

Description

Olwen. Nell. Maeve. Rhona. Meet the Flattery sisters. 

Four gifted Irish sisters confront an uncertain future in this dazzling novel from a major literary talent. Perfect for fans of Jonathan Franzen, Maggie O’Farrell and Claire Vaye Watkins.

‘Surprising and delightful… The Alternatives made me laugh, cry, and think.’ Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses

Olwen, Nell, Maeve and Rhona were plunged prematurely into adulthood when their parents died in tragic circumstances. Now in their thirties, they have each carved out impressive careers – living distant lives, fighting separate battles. But Olwen’s disappearance is about to change everything. 

A geologist haunted by the weight of the earth’s past and a crushing awareness of its volatile future, Olwen abruptly vanishes from her home without a trace. Her sisters track her down to a remote bungalow in rural Ireland, with little electricity and patchy connection to the outside world. Together for the first time in years, the sisters vie to confront old wounds and diagnose new ills – most urgently, Olwen’s.

Fiercely witty and unexpectedly hopeful, The Alternatives is an unforgettable portrait of a family perched on our collective precipice, told by one of Ireland’s most gifted storytellers. 

A New Statesman ‘Book to Look Forward to in 2024’ 

Additional information

Dimensions 23.4 × 15.3 cm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Hardback

Pages

352

Language

English

Edition

Hardback original

Dewey

823.92 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K

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