The Things We Know Now

Catherine Dunne

2013 Nominee

Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Year

26 June 2013
9781447209317
352 pages

Synopsis

When Patrick Grant meets Ella, he seizes the opportunity of a new life with her. He imagines the future with his beautiful second wife by his side: the years ahead filled with all that is bright and promising. When Ella gives birth to Daniel, Patrick’s happiness is complete. A son at last. Patrick adores Daniel: a golden child, talented, artistic, loving.

And then, when Daniel is fourteen, tragedy strikes. Without warning, Patrick and Ella’s world is shattered beyond repair and Patrick is forced to re-evaluate everything: his own life, his role as husband and father, all his previous assumptions about family. Together with Ella, he is forced to embark on a voyage of discovery. He must confront uncomfortable truths about himself and about the privileged world he and his wife inhabit.

This is the story of a family torn apart by conflict, suspicion and loss. It is also a story, ultimately, of redemption and forgiveness – and the strength of severely-tested family bonds.

‘Several-splendored . . . gripping . . . brilliant’ Sunday Independent
‘A gripping read’ Irish Sunday Independent
‘A compelling story’ Irish Examiner