Adam’s already cheated on his wife, Beth, once in their marriage and she took him back. When she learns of his latest infidelity she’s not so quick to forgive, sending him packing. Adam soon realises his mistake, but the longer he is away, the more Beth begins to acclimatise. And whilst Adam may want a reconciliation, further secrets and transgressions come to light that seriously damage his relationship with both Beth and their nineteen-year-old daughter Meg. But the truth about Adam’s own family also emerges. Kearney’s debut is a wonderfully stage-managed performance, with a winning cast, an engaging script and above all an evolving drama. What she does so brilliantly is set up Adam as the archetypal adulterer but complicates the reader’s response to him, asking us whether Beth should forgive, whether Adam can become a changed man and whether Beth and Adam’s relationship is worth fighting for or whether only further hurt lies down that path. It’s a thought-provoking novel and regardless of what has gone on between Adam and Beth, their struggles and difficulties to move on are poignant. Kearney shows a great talent for writing a captivating, engaging plot and complex, multi-dimensional characters and relationships. A strong start to what looks like a promising career, I look forward to following her journey and can’t help but expect further great things from her down the line. No pressure! (JC)
You, Me & Other People, the debut novel from Fionnuala Kearney, centres around a marriage in crisis. The summary says: "They say every family has skeletons in their closet ... But what happens when you open the door and they won't stop tumbling out? For Adam and Beth the first secret wasn't the last, it was just the beginning. You think you can imagine the worst thing that could happen to your family, but there are some secrets that change everything. And then the question is, how can you piece together a future when your past is being rewritten?" You, Me & Other People is out in February 2015.