The Alternatives

In this novel, four gifted Irish sisters confront an uncertain future as they deal with the disappearance of their sister Olwen, a geologist haunted by the weight of the earth's past and the volatile future. The sisters vie to confront old wounds and diagnose new ills, and the book is a portrait of a family perched on the collective precipice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

In this captivating novel from a prominent literary talent, four gifted Irish sisters face an uncertain future. Fans of Jonathan Franzen, Maggie O Farrell, and Claire Vaye Watkins will find it to their liking.

"The Alternatives" is a remarkable blend of ideas and a gripping read, exhibiting a formal audacity that is simultaneously deeply humane. Rumaan Alam, the author of "Leave the World Behind," praises it as superb.

Olwen, Nell, Maeve, and Rhona, four sisters, were thrust into adulthood prematurely when their parents tragically passed away. Now in their thirties, they have each built impressive careers, leading separate lives and facing distinct challenges. However, Olwen's disappearance is about to upend everything.

Olwen, a geologist haunted by the weight of the earth's past and a profound understanding of its volatile future, vanishes from her home without a trace. Her sisters embark on a quest to find her, tracing her to a remote bungalow in rural Ireland, where they are reunited for the first time in years. Together, they confront old wounds and diagnose new ills, with Olwen's health being the most pressing concern.

"The Alternatives" is a captivating portrayal of a family teetering on the edge of a collective precipice, told by one of Ireland's most talented storytellers. It is fiercely witty and unexpectedly hopeful, offering an unforgettable portrait of a family navigating the complexities of life and love.

The New Statesman has designated it as a Book to Look Forward to in 2024, highlighting its significance and anticipation within the literary community.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 242 x 162 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780861545865