Arela Natas

I found O’Hagan’s book riveting and extremely interesting. He weaves an intricate tapestry of life in nearing-the-end of Covid and Brexit. One could see them as métaphores for the message of the book. Covid united and equalised society whilst Brexit tore it apart. O’Hagan’s characters come from groups who externally are completely separate yet whose lives are intricately interwoven and interdependent. From aristocracy, Russian oligarchy, liberal intellectuals, politicians , artists, journalists to drug dealers, migrant smugglers and rappers. He depicts how these groups’ lives connect through the universal desire/need for money and the power of the internet and social media’s power to create but also to destroy . I found it a page turner and very thought provoking.

An astounding description of how the ongoing gentle rug of life can be pulled from under one’s feet unexpectedly and unacceptably. Paul Lynch’s descriptions of the undoing of Eilishes family life, her struggle to keep things ‘normal’ for her children, Her children’s slow eroding of trust in their mother’s ability to make everything better - the horrors of losing the stable and familiar organisation of life is brilliantly depicted. And although it takes place in western democratic Ireland - makes it all the more horrific ( “it couldn’t happen here - oh no”) !!!. / but we know it did happen and is still happening. Nazi Germany, Syria, Russia, Afghanistan, Israel, Gaza., The writer manages to convey in beautiful prose the visceral effects of the insidious realisation of the protagonist Eilish. The stone that grips her insides and eventually is lodged there permanently. Grief and self doubt , feeling pulled in different directions- dealing with a dementing father , a rebellious teenager. A depressed daughter and a small baby ( who symbolises hope and the future). I could not put it down. Not an easy read but a compelling one. Highly recommendable.