Description

From the writer Anthony Doerr calls ‘a massive talent’, The Alternatives is the story of four brilliant sisters, orphaned in childhood, who scramble to reconnect when the eldest disappears into the Irish countryside

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A Book of the Year according to The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Good Housekeeping, Readings Australia and Libreria

‘Surprising and delightful… The Alternatives made me laugh, cry, and think.’ Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses

Perfect for fans of Jonathan Franzen, Maggie O’Farrell and Claire Vaye Watkins.

OLWEN. NELL. MAEVE. RHONA. MEET THE FLATTERY SISTERS.

Olwen, Nell, Maeve and Rhona were plunged prematurely into adulthood when their parents died in a tragic twist of fate. Now in their thirties, the sisters barely speak, each too busy carving out impressive careers. But when Olwen – reluctant matriarch, lodestar and, of late, zealous consumer of gin – abruptly disappears, her sisters are cast back together to find her, whether she likes it or not.

When they eventually track Olwen down, she is holed up in a remote bungalow in rural Ireland, with little electricity and a patchy connection to the outside world. Together for the first time in years, the sisters vie to confront old wounds and diagnose new ills – most urgently, Olwen’s.

Fiercely witty and unexpectedly hopeful, The Alternatives is an unforgettable portrait of a family perched on a precipice, told by one of Ireland’s most gifted storytellers.

‘Bold, witty and intellectual… A book of intelligent women that very successfully plays with form and intertwined big ideas.’ Sunday Independent

Publisher Review

‘Exuberant… A bold, beautiful, complex novel, and I can’t wait to read what Hughes writes next. She, too, is an unstoppable force.’ New York Times ‘The Alternatives is Hughes’s best novel yet. With its ferocious intelligence and furious wit, the writing is reminiscent of Anne Enright… A brilliant, brainy book about the bravery of following one’s own path while also remembering the value of community.’ Guardian ‘Caoilinn Hughes is one of the most intelligent, surprising, and delightful writers around. The Alternatives made me laugh, cry, and think.’ Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses ‘I wish I knew how Caoilinn Hughes has managed to write a book of such depth and gravity that is also so gripping and relentlessly funny.’ Hernan Diaz, author of Trust ‘I’ve admired all Caoilinn Hughes’ books, and this one is a triumph, searching and clever and warm and funny.’ Sarah Moss, author of Ghost Wall ‘Beautiful… The Alternatives is both a book of ideas and a gripping read, formally audacious yet deeply humane. Superb.’ Rumaan Alam, author of Leave the World Behind ‘The Alternatives is fizzy, brainy, and brilliant, always at the service of a drama of great emotional power. Caoilinn Hughes is an extraordinarily gifted writer.’ Joseph O’Neill, author of Netherland ‘Hughes’s elegiac romp into our collective crises erupts in gorgeous language and sizzles with wit, yet is undergirded by pathos. A shapeshifter of a writer, she can draw any character, any foible with crystalline precision.’ Diane Cook, author of The New Wilderness ‘The Alternatives is vintage Caoilinn Hughes-sharp, funny and philosophical, and very much a novel for our times.’ Carys Davies, author of The Mission House ‘A novel so full of verve that one gains energy from reading it. The prose is a delight, and the force of the author’s intelligence would be overwhelming if not for its warmth and wit.’ Jing-Jing Lee, author of How We Disappeared ‘Simply brilliant… The dynamics of the sisters’ interactions and the easy way they anticipate each others’ needs while slipping into decades-old roles are the novel’s highlights.’ Booklist (starred review) ‘Moving, richly detailed… Intelligent, impassioned, and wholly satisfying.’ Kirkus (starred review) ‘The Alternatives, is yet another example of [Caoilinn Hughes’] gift for illuminating the dark places in the lives of dysfunctional, but deeply sympathetic, families… Bighearted, wise, and frequently sharply funny novel.’ Shelf Awareness ‘An intriguing story of complex family connections, highlighting the diversity that often exists among siblings, and underlining the commonalities that tie them together. Readers will enjoy this story about the need for family, independence, and support.’ Library Journal ‘A powerful and timely novel.’ Brooklyn Rail ‘A novel of tiny, telling details alongside big ideas… The Alternatives contains multitudes. Its mysteries and complexities reward a second reading… The book’s ending is a stunner. And Olwen, Maeve, Nell and Rhona make it unforgettable.’ Star Tribune ‘Each sister’s voice is clear, purposeful, realistic and hopeful. When the sisters come together, The Alternatives becomes even more engaging as their stories overlap, growing increasingly complex and intertwined.’ Bookpage ‘In Caoilinn Hughes’s “The Alternatives,” the four Flattery sisters are each struggling to address the world’s emergencies in the aftermath of the pandemic… Ultimately The Alternatives is concerned with the duties of caring for the planet and one’s loved ones.’ Wall Street Journal ‘The dense blend of score settling, wise-cracking, ideas and eccentricity is nothing if not attention-grabbing… The question of how to go onward in our troubled times is admirable.’ Daily Mail ‘An explosion of a novel by a writer of rare brilliance and power… True originality is a rare thing but Caoilinn Hughes has it; she really is like no one else.’ New Zealand Herald ‘In The Alternatives, Hughes manages to make us both wish we had four flawed, intense sisters, and be grateful we don’t. There is much humour, much sharpness, and Hughes’ is a unique, honest, powerful voice. The sentences are sizzling, glittering, often taking off in unexpected and delightful directions. It is a novel to love as a reader, but equally as much as a writer: it makes me want to write. Stunning.’ Jenny Mustard, author of Okay Days ‘A witty, bittersweet and often stylistically bold exploration of blood ties and chosen family.’ New York Times Book Review, Editor’s Choice ‘Hughes, one of my very favourite Irish writers, is soaringly original and takes us to unusual places and circumstances. Here, her wily observations and caustic humour enliven the invisible currents of family connection.’ Sydney SA Weekend ‘[The sisters’] conversations sparkle with humour and wit… A fantastic whirlwind of a novel, The Alternatives throws down the gauntlet on everything from climate change and deliberative democracy to the fundamentrals of authenticity and integrity. The final scene is as extraordinary as it is unexpected, yet somehow absolutely right.’ New Internationalist