A sweeping and emotional debut from a dazzling new voice - for fans of The Paper Palace, The Dutch House and Betty. Coming of age in 1940s England, Alice's life is thrown into chaos under the shadow of the war.
Characters in this debut collection navigate the precarious edges of society, facing economic hardship and emotional isolation. A college dropout strives to protect his youngest sister, while a father grapples with his wife's erratic behavior, leaving his daughters to confront their own feelings of anxiety and anger. An uncle feels powerless to shield his nephew from turmoil. The stories emphasize realism, with no easy solutions in sight, showcasing the narrators' compassion as they witness the struggles of their loved ones.