The Alternatives

<strong>From the writer Anthony Doerr calls 'a massive talent', <em>The Alternatives</em> is the story of four brilliant sisters, orphaned in childhood, who scramble to reconnect when the eldest disappears into the Irish countryside </strong>

<strong>*</strong>

<strong>A Book of the Year according to <em>The Irish Times</em>, <em>Irish Independent, Good Housekeeping, Readings Australia </em>and<em> Libreria</em></strong>

<strong>'Surprising and delightful... <em>The Alternatives</em> made me laugh, cry, and think</strong>.' <strong>Louise Kennedy, author of <em>Trespasses</em></strong>

<strong>Perfect for fans of Jonathan Franzen, Maggie O'Farrell and Claire Vaye Watkins.</strong>

<strong>OLWEN. NELL. MAEVE. RHONA. MEET THE FLATTERY SISTERS.</strong>

Olwen, Nell, Maeve and Rhona were plunged prematurely into adulthood when their parents died in a tragic twist of fate. Now in their thirties, the sisters barely speak, each too busy carving out impressive careers. But when Olwen - reluctant matriarch, lodestar and, of late, zealous consumer of gin - abruptly disappears, her sisters are cast back together to find her, whether she likes it or not.

When they eventually track Olwen down, she is holed up in a remote bungalow in rural Ireland, with little electricity and a 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, <em>The Alternatives</em> is an unforgettable portrait of a family perched on a precipice, told by one of Ireland's most gifted storytellers.

<strong>'Bold, witty and intellectual... A book of intelligent women that very successfully plays with form and intertwined big ideas.' <em>Sunday Independent</em></strong>