A heartbreaking, haunting story of childhood, loss and love by one of Ireland's most acclaimed writers.

'A real jewel.' Irish Independent
'A small miracle.' Sunday Times
'A thing of finely honed beauty.' Guardian
'Thrilling.' Richard Ford
'As good as Chekhov.' David Mitchell

From the author ofthe Booker-shortlisted Small Things Like These

It is a hot summer in rural Ireland. A girl is sent to live with foster parents on afarm, not knowing when she will return home. In the strangers' house, shefinds a warmth and affection she has not known before and slowly begins toblossom in their care. But in a house where there are meant to be no secrets,she discovers how fragile her idyll is.

'Foster confirms Claire Keegan's talent. She creates luminous effects with spare material, so every line seems to be a lesson in the perfect deployment of both style and emotion' - Hilary Mantel