A witty and beautifully observed novel that looks deep into the secrets of family life
When Roz's silent, compulsive husband refused to discuss his problem, when her children seemed embroiled in their own lives, Roz did the unthinkable - she walked out. She did not know that her children would not understand, would not forgive her. She had one moment of joy, shutting the door, leaving, followed by ten years of guilt.
Then the death of the family matriarch Nan reunites Roz, now with a career, a flat and a lover, with her family. Histrionic Zoe and infuriatingly laid-back Jamie arrive on her doorstep. Suddenly Roz is a mother again. A human soup is stirred, and dark family secrets are revealed. But Roz soon realises that her children have only returned to her so that, in the proper scheme of things, they can leave her. Rather than she leaving them.
Dewar writes with enjoyably sharp humour about the tribulations of family life, making some thoughtful points about what growing up means along the way - Times Metro
Crackling with wit, and shot through with sharp observations - Woman & Home
Dewar writes with humour and tenderness, and she's terrific at engaging her readers' interest - Ham & High
Captures the turbulence and ever-changing dynamics of family life... A witty, fast-moving novel with a cast of characters I would love to meet - Fiona Kennedy, Tesco
'Frank, funny writing - Big Issue in Scotland
Powerful, provocative and sharply witty - Publishing News
Dewar has a very sharp sense of humour and writes with a great deal of wit - Newcastle Evening Chronicle
Isla Dewar is the author of many acclaimed novels including Keeping up with Magda, Dancing in a Distant Place, Secrets of a Family Album and Women Talking Dirty. Women Talking Dirty was made into a film starring Eileen Atkins, Helen Bonham Carter, Gina McKee and James Nesbitt.
Isla lives in Fife with her cartoonist husband.