Joy is a complex, deeply troubled woman with a host of regrets especially over motherhood and what appears to her grown up children as a lack of maternal instincts. There’s Frances, her loyal daughter but who is struggling in a variety of ways, her son is Conor a ‘celebrity’ charity boss whose current actions implode in his face and finally there’s the youngest, Sinead. She is an acclaimed writer but is suffering from a massive case of writers block amongst other things. When the three siblings learn that Joy has little time left to live they rush to her bedside bringing all manner of baggage with them. Although they are very different personalities each of them has decisions to make that will affect their futures. Will they be able to forgive their mother and move forward in whatever direction life takes them?

This is a beautifully written but quite tough novel to read but I really like the way the author tackles the situation facing Frances, Conor and Sinead. Each one tells their story warts and all and you are able to picture them and empathise with their problems. Most moving of all are Joy’s memories with her story being heartbreaking and so sad and you understand why she becomes what her children see, witness and feel. The dysfunction is wide, embracing several issues and you view trauma and tragedy. Parts of the story are emotionally told with the ending feeling spot on.

The standout character for me is Sinead although against expectation I grow to like them all. It isn’t all a tale of woe and I really do appreciate the odd snippets of well placed humour.

Overall, although this is not an easy read I’m so glad to have done so as Anne Tiernan is clearly a very talented writer.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hachette Books, Ireland for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.