WINNER OF THE KERRY GROUP IRISH NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD
THE INSTANT IRISH TIMES TOP 5 BESTSELLER

By the author of Four Letters of Love, the international bestseller now a major film starring Helena Bonham Carter and Pierce Brosnan
‘I am utterly obsessed with Niall Williams’ Ann Patchett

‘A rich and gorgeous book’ The Times, The 10 best historical fiction books of 2024

‘Deeply compassionate’ Guardian
‘Slow, rich, immaculate ... One of the most affecting books I've ever read’ The Times

‘Line by line, it may be the most beautifully written novel I’ve read this year’ Washington Post

Doctor Jack Troy was born and raised in the little town of Faha, but his responsibilities for the sick and his care for the dying mean he has always been set apart from his community. A visit from the doctor is always a sign of bad things to come.

His youngest daughter, Ronnie, has grown up in her father’s shadow, and remains there, having missed her chance at real love – and passed up an offer of marriage from an unsuitable man.

But in the advent season of 1962, as the town readies itself for Christmas, Ronnie and Doctor Troy’s lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. As the winter passes, father and daughter’s lives, the understanding of their family, and their role in their community are changed forever.

‘Irresistible … A powerful pleasure’ Karen Joy Fowler
‘A story brimming with kindness and courage’ Mail on Sunday
‘A beautifully written novel about second chances and familial love’ Observer
‘A warm and life-affirming story about ordinary people going to extraordinary lengths’ Irish Times

'My own life feels richer having read it' Mary Beth Keane