Common Decency: A dark, intimate novel of love, grief and obsession

In Common Decency, two women in Belfast struggle with love and loss, with Lily withdrawing from the world and Siobhán consumed by her affair with a married man. When resentment evolves into something darker, Lily decides to teach Siobhán a lesson. The novel is sharp, funny, and deeply moving, offering excellent company.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

In this dark,compelling and compassionate coming-of-age novel, the lives of a bereaved young woman and her neighbour, consumed by her affair with a married man, entwine in a poignant portrayal of love, obsession, and grief. Susannah Dickey, a phenomenal talent, has crafted a poignant, deft portrayal of love, obsession, and grief in her novel "Common Decency." Elizabeth Day praised the novel as "such a propulsive joy to read," while Megan Nolan described it as "from the critically acclaimed author of 'Tennis Lessons.'"

In an apartment building in Belfast, two women, Lily and Siobhán, grapple with the sorrows and spectres of love and loss. Since her mother's death, Lily has withdrawn from the world, trapped between grief and anger. She desperately needs to break out of this damaging cycle, but how? Upstairs, Siobhán is consumed by her affair with a married man. Her days revolve around his sporadic texts and rare visits. She barely notices the strange girl who lives below and dawdles in the foyer.

But Lily is keeping a close eye on her neighbour, whose life seems so much better and more fulfilling than her own. When resentment evolves into something darker and more urgent, Lily decides to teach Siobhán a lesson.

Sharp as tacks, extremely funny, and deeply moving, this novel is a testament to the power of storytelling. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted tale that will leave a lasting impression.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804991046