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Each and Every One
Your family are always there for you...aren't they?
For Tara, Vee, Niall and Damian, the children of the Shine family, their parents have seen them through thick and thin. In fact, Gus and Joan's lifetime of hard work has given their children the luxuries they never had when they were growing up - a comfortable home in a leafy Dublin neighbourhood, gap years that never seem to end and an open chequebook for life's little emergencies. Unfortunately, although the children have grown up, they have got a little too comfortable with the well-feathered nest: now it's time to learn a few home truths.
When a twist of fate means the bank of Mum and Dad can no longer bail out the younger generation, suddenly the whole family must find out who they really are - but sometimes the truth isn't easy to face. Uncovering the secrets they all hide will show them a different side to the city they call home and mean finding allies in the most unlikely places.
Warm, wise and witty, Each and Every One is a novel about the lessons we learn in life - and the ones we never do.
For Tara, Vee, Niall and Damian, the children of the Shine family, their parents have seen them through thick and thin. In fact, Gus and Joan's lifetime of hard work has given their children the luxuries they never had when they were growing up - a comfortable home in a leafy Dublin neighbourhood, gap years that never seem to end and an open chequebook for life's little emergencies. Unfortunately, although the children have grown up, they have got a little too comfortable with the well-feathered nest: now it's time to learn a few home truths.
When a twist of fate means the bank of Mum and Dad can no longer bail out the younger generation, suddenly the whole family must find out who they really are - but sometimes the truth isn't easy to face. Uncovering the secrets they all hide will show them a different side to the city they call home and mean finding allies in the most unlikely places.
Warm, wise and witty, Each and Every One is a novel about the lessons we learn in life - and the ones we never do.
- GenresContemporary
Paperback
First published September 11, 2014
13 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
Rachael English
8 books224 followersHi, and thanks for visiting my page.
I'm the author of seven novels. The latest is WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BIRDY TROY?Before that there was GOING BACK, EACH AND EVERY ONE, THE NIGHT OF THE PARTY, THE PAPER BRACELET and the Irish number one bestsellers, THE LETTER HOME and THE AMERICAN GIRL.
Like many many writers, I also have a day job. I'm a presenter on the radio programme, Morning Ireland.
You can find me on Twitter - @EnglishRachael, on Instagram - @RachaelEnglishWriter or on Facebook.
I'm the author of seven novels. The latest is WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BIRDY TROY?Before that there was GOING BACK, EACH AND EVERY ONE, THE NIGHT OF THE PARTY, THE PAPER BRACELET and the Irish number one bestsellers, THE LETTER HOME and THE AMERICAN GIRL.
Like many many writers, I also have a day job. I'm a presenter on the radio programme, Morning Ireland.
You can find me on Twitter - @EnglishRachael, on Instagram - @RachaelEnglishWriter or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 16, 2015
We meet the Shine family who live in Dublin.
A lovely home, holiday's abroad, money no object, even property abroad and private education for their children.
What else could a person need.
Tara, Vee, Niall and Damien ....the four adult children who have had handouts, everything they need from their parents, any troubles....go see dad....the never ending money tree.
But not this time, Dad's money has run out.
The pot is empty.
Now what?
Although their children are adults, I feel that Dad never did allow them to become independent living and so they are now struggling, really struggling in their own worlds.
They call for a sibling meeting to see what they can do.
I tried to imagine the case scenario, very difficult when you haven't been 'cushioned' from life's hardships but I could get where the author was coming from.
This 'tragic' moneyless event then started the delving intense fall out that we could see as we read and got to know the adult children on an individual basis.
This is a superbly written book and if you like family drama this is surely for you.
On the whole, I enjoyed this.
**I want to thank the author for my paperback and Net Galley Orion Publishing Group for my digital copy**
September 25, 2014
This review was originally posted on Between My Lines
This is an engaging family centred story that pulsates with life. If you are looking for charming but realistic , if you crave feel-good and if your heartstrings are in need of a good tugging, then you’ve come to the right place.
First Line of Each and Every One by Rachael English
My Thoughts on Each and Every One by Rachael English:
I love books that draw you in with engaging characters and that then make you work through a gauntlet of emotions. That is exactly what this book does. It’s funny, sad, ironic and warm. Right from page one I was engaged and settled down for a very contented read.
The central character is Tara and the book is about her relationship with her various family members and the struggles they face in the current recession. Tara loves her siblings but they all seem to take her for granted and take a lot more than they give.
The recession has forced the whole family to get real. Previously all of them leaned on their parents to a ridiculous amount and I was glad to see the rug tugged out from under their feet. They were having life far too easy and now they are final forced to grow up. Tara to a lesser extent than her brothers and sister but she too has lessons to learn.
My favourite character by far was Tara and it was interesting to get snippets of her life as journalist as it was a fun look into that world. I loved that she was genuine and while confident she lacked that final push to make her own decisions. And while she is perceptive to all that is going on around her, she is blinkered when it comes to her own love life. I thoroughly enjoyed her progression during the book and seeing her acceptance of just who she was and what mattered to her.
There is a large cast of characters but all are very distinct and make their own impressions on you. There is also a little bit of a twist which dismayed me when I first read it as it changed my impressions on some of the characters but I came around to it in the end.
The romance element is sweet but it’s not the focal theme. I appreciated that as it’s a bit different to read about the relationship between grown up siblings and their parents and it made a refreshing plotline.
Overall another great book from Rachael English and while I didn’t love this quite as much as I did Going Back, it was a great book for a captivating afternoons reading.
Who should read My Thoughts on Each and Every One by Rachael English?
I’d highly recommend this book to those who love emotional, warm, feel-good contemporary fiction. Fans of Cathy Kelly, Patricia Scanlon and Sheila O'Flanagan should also enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This is an engaging family centred story that pulsates with life. If you are looking for charming but realistic , if you crave feel-good and if your heartstrings are in need of a good tugging, then you’ve come to the right place.
First Line of Each and Every One by Rachael English
“Gus Shine had always wanted a big house.”
My Thoughts on Each and Every One by Rachael English:
I love books that draw you in with engaging characters and that then make you work through a gauntlet of emotions. That is exactly what this book does. It’s funny, sad, ironic and warm. Right from page one I was engaged and settled down for a very contented read.
The central character is Tara and the book is about her relationship with her various family members and the struggles they face in the current recession. Tara loves her siblings but they all seem to take her for granted and take a lot more than they give.
“Vee treats you like a dogsbody. Damien sees you as an unpaid babysitter, and Niall thinks you are the Bank of Tara, handy for a few bob when the old folks won’t cough up.”
The recession has forced the whole family to get real. Previously all of them leaned on their parents to a ridiculous amount and I was glad to see the rug tugged out from under their feet. They were having life far too easy and now they are final forced to grow up. Tara to a lesser extent than her brothers and sister but she too has lessons to learn.
My favourite character by far was Tara and it was interesting to get snippets of her life as journalist as it was a fun look into that world. I loved that she was genuine and while confident she lacked that final push to make her own decisions. And while she is perceptive to all that is going on around her, she is blinkered when it comes to her own love life. I thoroughly enjoyed her progression during the book and seeing her acceptance of just who she was and what mattered to her.
There is a large cast of characters but all are very distinct and make their own impressions on you. There is also a little bit of a twist which dismayed me when I first read it as it changed my impressions on some of the characters but I came around to it in the end.
The romance element is sweet but it’s not the focal theme. I appreciated that as it’s a bit different to read about the relationship between grown up siblings and their parents and it made a refreshing plotline.
Overall another great book from Rachael English and while I didn’t love this quite as much as I did Going Back, it was a great book for a captivating afternoons reading.
Who should read My Thoughts on Each and Every One by Rachael English?
I’d highly recommend this book to those who love emotional, warm, feel-good contemporary fiction. Fans of Cathy Kelly, Patricia Scanlon and Sheila O'Flanagan should also enjoy this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
November 3, 2014
Oh, what a boring book.
September 11, 2014
The grown up children of the Shine family have large accounts with the Bank of Mum & Dad. Tara, Vee, Niall and Damian have enjoyed a luxury lifestyle, all funded from the hard work of their parents Joan and Gus. Niall, the thirty-year-old who lives life as though it is one long gap year, flitting from country to country, never settling down; Damian, local councillor with left-wing views in public, but who on closer inspection isn't adverse to using money to gain advantage; Vee who has a pair of stillettos and a designer dress for every occasion and Tara, the only one who holds down a job, albeit a 'bottom of page eight' journalist, but at least she goes out to work.
Ireland is in the middle of the huge bust that came after the massive boom. Businesses are going bust, new housing developments lay empty and unfinished, the Celtic Tiger's roar has faded to a little whimper. When Gus and Joan Shine inform their children that the money is gone and that they are going to have to stand on their own feet and fend for themselves for once, the family meltdown begins.
I really enjoyed Going Back by Rachael English, but I have loved Each & Every One, her writing has matured beautifully, and she has created a cast of the most wonderful characters. Human, warm, funny, a little bit mixed up and with a great story to tell. The author explores the modern family, and how in the case of the Shines, it has been built on money and materialistic things, rather than on great love and endurance.
Gus and Joan have realised that they have raised a family of dependant people, who have never had to face up to difficulties and they are determined that their children will take some responsibility for their lives. Their actions have consequences that none of them could ever have imagined.
The Shine children, except for Tara, are a bunch of children-like adults, their priorities are themselves first, and everyone else later, be that their partners, their children, or indeed, their parents. Tara is the saving grace in this family, and Each & Every One is really her story.
Rachael English has portrayed life in modern recession-hit Dublin very well, and although the Shine family are fascinating in their complexity, it is the other family within the story who will steal the heart of the reader. This is a family who didn't reap the benefits of the boom years, stuck in a crumbling tower block, with drug dealers and murderers for neighbours, this small family are the stars of the story. Little Ben, the eight-year-old boy will steal your heart, whilst his young Grandmother Carmel shows the true meaning of family love.
Each & Every One is a stylish read, a great plot with wonderfully colourful characters. A story with humour and fun, and a story with a message. A fabulous second novel, I'm looking forward to the next one already!
Ireland is in the middle of the huge bust that came after the massive boom. Businesses are going bust, new housing developments lay empty and unfinished, the Celtic Tiger's roar has faded to a little whimper. When Gus and Joan Shine inform their children that the money is gone and that they are going to have to stand on their own feet and fend for themselves for once, the family meltdown begins.
I really enjoyed Going Back by Rachael English, but I have loved Each & Every One, her writing has matured beautifully, and she has created a cast of the most wonderful characters. Human, warm, funny, a little bit mixed up and with a great story to tell. The author explores the modern family, and how in the case of the Shines, it has been built on money and materialistic things, rather than on great love and endurance.
Gus and Joan have realised that they have raised a family of dependant people, who have never had to face up to difficulties and they are determined that their children will take some responsibility for their lives. Their actions have consequences that none of them could ever have imagined.
The Shine children, except for Tara, are a bunch of children-like adults, their priorities are themselves first, and everyone else later, be that their partners, their children, or indeed, their parents. Tara is the saving grace in this family, and Each & Every One is really her story.
Rachael English has portrayed life in modern recession-hit Dublin very well, and although the Shine family are fascinating in their complexity, it is the other family within the story who will steal the heart of the reader. This is a family who didn't reap the benefits of the boom years, stuck in a crumbling tower block, with drug dealers and murderers for neighbours, this small family are the stars of the story. Little Ben, the eight-year-old boy will steal your heart, whilst his young Grandmother Carmel shows the true meaning of family love.
Each & Every One is a stylish read, a great plot with wonderfully colourful characters. A story with humour and fun, and a story with a message. A fabulous second novel, I'm looking forward to the next one already!
July 24, 2015
I found this quite a hard book to get through, not because the plot content is necessarily hard or that the writing is dense. I found it hard because the characters are so so so unlikeable.
The plot is good, well paced, contemporary and there is a twist in it which I enjoyed.
The writing is easy going, not too dense but not too sloppy. Just enough description and dialogue to be a good balance. So a well written novel over all.
But...
I had hoped that this family were really going to go through some actual hardship and actually discover things about themselves, maybe help people, maybe work harder...nope. Having your parents stop giving you pocket money at 33 is NOT hardship, it's growing up. Having to pay your parking fines is the right thing to do, NOT hardship and having to get a job rather than mooch of your family is responsibility, NOT hardship. Trust me, these kids are spoilt!
Tara is by far the best character and the only one who is relatable: she has a job, she works hard, sure she lives in her parents flat but, when asked, she pays her rent without a grumble. Tara's story is excellent. She befriends a local woman, Carmel, and gets to know her family story and helps them out where she can. This takes up a lot of the story but in my opinion could have easily been the whole book.
In contrast Tara has three siblings: Vee (I nicknamed her Hilary as in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air) a selfcentered woman who seems to be convinced that she's hard done by because she's run up huge amounts of debt and parking fines (both not sad considering her circumstances). Niall, a perpetual gap year student travelling the world courtesy of the bank of mum and dad. Damien, a potentially good character let down by his hypocritic actions. Regarding his children's education he mentions many times that he feels justified in his choices because 'you want what's best' this to me translates as 'I'm better than you despite not actually having the cash for it'. Not relatable. I would run away from these people if I met them at the pub and they didn't become sympathetic even at the end.
I am also left wondering about the 'big secrets' advertised on the front. There are perhaps two secrets, one is a twist and one is revealed by me in this review because it's not really a secret. I was a bit disappointed by the overall lack of drama created by these 'secrets' which felt like more of a selling point than a plot.
I could happily have read a whole book about Tara, the upper middle class tearaway making it on her own as a journalist. Working on the ground with the forgotten 'under class' created by the recession and befriending people whereever she goes. Wonderful. But sadly she has siblings who infiltrated this story so only three stars :( Sorry :(
The plot is good, well paced, contemporary and there is a twist in it which I enjoyed.
The writing is easy going, not too dense but not too sloppy. Just enough description and dialogue to be a good balance. So a well written novel over all.
But...
I had hoped that this family were really going to go through some actual hardship and actually discover things about themselves, maybe help people, maybe work harder...nope. Having your parents stop giving you pocket money at 33 is NOT hardship, it's growing up. Having to pay your parking fines is the right thing to do, NOT hardship and having to get a job rather than mooch of your family is responsibility, NOT hardship. Trust me, these kids are spoilt!
Tara is by far the best character and the only one who is relatable: she has a job, she works hard, sure she lives in her parents flat but, when asked, she pays her rent without a grumble. Tara's story is excellent. She befriends a local woman, Carmel, and gets to know her family story and helps them out where she can. This takes up a lot of the story but in my opinion could have easily been the whole book.
In contrast Tara has three siblings: Vee (I nicknamed her Hilary as in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air) a selfcentered woman who seems to be convinced that she's hard done by because she's run up huge amounts of debt and parking fines (both not sad considering her circumstances). Niall, a perpetual gap year student travelling the world courtesy of the bank of mum and dad. Damien, a potentially good character let down by his hypocritic actions. Regarding his children's education he mentions many times that he feels justified in his choices because 'you want what's best' this to me translates as 'I'm better than you despite not actually having the cash for it'. Not relatable. I would run away from these people if I met them at the pub and they didn't become sympathetic even at the end.
I am also left wondering about the 'big secrets' advertised on the front. There are perhaps two secrets, one is a twist and one is revealed by me in this review because it's not really a secret. I was a bit disappointed by the overall lack of drama created by these 'secrets' which felt like more of a selling point than a plot.
I could happily have read a whole book about Tara, the upper middle class tearaway making it on her own as a journalist. Working on the ground with the forgotten 'under class' created by the recession and befriending people whereever she goes. Wonderful. But sadly she has siblings who infiltrated this story so only three stars :( Sorry :(
August 18, 2014
Rating: 3.5
This is the story of the Shine family. Set in modern day post-recession Dublin, Gus Shine is struggling to maintain his current level of outgoings. Having built up a successful Accounting business, he now has to face the fact that recession has taken hold, and he has to make sacrifices... beginning with his four adult children.
Councillor Damien Shine has been sending his children to private school with his father's money. How will he and wife Felicity cope when that funding is cut off?
Reporter Tara Shine lives in an apartment at her parent's house, which is now put up for sale. Tara feels responsible for all the others, and takes on their burdens as well as her own. A new friend from an unlikely source is a very welcome addition to her life as she tries to help her family.
Niall Shine may be a gifted artist, but he is currently not putting his talent to any use, choosing instead to live abroad at his parents' holiday home. With the revelation that he now has nowhere to go, how will Niall adapt? Will he come home?
Eldest daughter Veronica (Vee) Shine may be married to a Junior Barrister, but she is secretly hiding something that could destroy them. Veronica gets a lot of financial help from her parents, and when she is cut off, it has disastrous consequences far beyond anything they could have foreseen.
I liked the writing style, it was nice to read Irish slang words and down-to-earth dialogue. The characters were good, especially Tara and Veronica. The recession hit everyone in different ways, and it was good to see how quickly someone's life could spiral when they lose their source of funding. For all that, I give the book 3.5 stars.
There were aspects of the book I didn't like, particularly Gus' revelation near the end. I didn't like that direction and thought it was better the way it was - but overall, it was a pleasant read and the author has a nice writing style.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of the Shine family. Set in modern day post-recession Dublin, Gus Shine is struggling to maintain his current level of outgoings. Having built up a successful Accounting business, he now has to face the fact that recession has taken hold, and he has to make sacrifices... beginning with his four adult children.
Councillor Damien Shine has been sending his children to private school with his father's money. How will he and wife Felicity cope when that funding is cut off?
Reporter Tara Shine lives in an apartment at her parent's house, which is now put up for sale. Tara feels responsible for all the others, and takes on their burdens as well as her own. A new friend from an unlikely source is a very welcome addition to her life as she tries to help her family.
Niall Shine may be a gifted artist, but he is currently not putting his talent to any use, choosing instead to live abroad at his parents' holiday home. With the revelation that he now has nowhere to go, how will Niall adapt? Will he come home?
Eldest daughter Veronica (Vee) Shine may be married to a Junior Barrister, but she is secretly hiding something that could destroy them. Veronica gets a lot of financial help from her parents, and when she is cut off, it has disastrous consequences far beyond anything they could have foreseen.
I liked the writing style, it was nice to read Irish slang words and down-to-earth dialogue. The characters were good, especially Tara and Veronica. The recession hit everyone in different ways, and it was good to see how quickly someone's life could spiral when they lose their source of funding. For all that, I give the book 3.5 stars.
There were aspects of the book I didn't like, particularly Gus' revelation near the end. I didn't like that direction and thought it was better the way it was - but overall, it was a pleasant read and the author has a nice writing style.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2014
What an enchanting read! There's a wonderful cast of characters here. The Shine family first - Gus and Joan, living in the large house of their dreams in a Dublin suburb, comfortable enough now to pay a woman for the cleaning and a man for the gardening. And there's enough over to fund the comfortable lives of their children. Niall is the eternal hippy, travelling the world, never settling down - and all funded by his parents. Damian has three children at private school, the very definition of a champagne socialist, and is a headline-grabbing local councillor - all funded by Mum and Dad. Vee just has no idea how to manage money: she is married to a barrister on the lower rungs of his career ladder and living way beyond her means. Tara is a jobbing journalist who loves her work, living in an annex of her parents' house with an unsuitable boyfriend: she's also the only child who bothers to remember her mother's birthday. When the parental financial support they rely on suddenly disappears, life changes very dramatically for them all.
Meanwhile, Tara becomes friendly with a family from a very different background, who live in a squalid tenement block riddled with damp and where excrement runs from the taps, but where their love for each other shines brightly. Surrounded by drug dealers and violence, grandmother Carmel struggles to provide a good life for her drug addict daughter's two young children. Eight year old Ben is a wonderful little character, guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.
This was a wonderful story, so well told. At times it's very funny, at other times it's heartbreakingly sad - you might have little sympathy for the grown-up Shine children at first, but it's quite wonderful getting to know them better. The author has a particular gift for dialogue - in this book it really sparkles - and a real eye for the way people behave when backed into a corner. I absolutely loved it - if this doesn't attract a large audience for Rachael English's writing I'll be quite amazed. I'm so looking forward to seeing what she does next.
My thanks to Orion Books and the author for my personal reading copy.
Meanwhile, Tara becomes friendly with a family from a very different background, who live in a squalid tenement block riddled with damp and where excrement runs from the taps, but where their love for each other shines brightly. Surrounded by drug dealers and violence, grandmother Carmel struggles to provide a good life for her drug addict daughter's two young children. Eight year old Ben is a wonderful little character, guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.
This was a wonderful story, so well told. At times it's very funny, at other times it's heartbreakingly sad - you might have little sympathy for the grown-up Shine children at first, but it's quite wonderful getting to know them better. The author has a particular gift for dialogue - in this book it really sparkles - and a real eye for the way people behave when backed into a corner. I absolutely loved it - if this doesn't attract a large audience for Rachael English's writing I'll be quite amazed. I'm so looking forward to seeing what she does next.
My thanks to Orion Books and the author for my personal reading copy.
February 29, 2016
It really took me a while to get into this story fully, and that was due to my instant dislike of most of Gus and Joan's grown up children. With the exception of Tara, who the book is mainly focused on, the others were a mix of spoiled, pompous, and in Niall's case seemed ok, but was travelling initially so hard to get to know.
Gus and Joan have always been well off and have never had a problem funding their children's lifestyles, and then when there is an economic downturn, suddenly the children have to fend for themselves.
However the storyline that properly kept me interested in the book, was Carmel and Ben. Tara meets Ben when she is working on a news story in the area where he lives, and his family get under Tara's skin. Carmel's story is tough, but you can tell she is full of compassion and is just doing what is best for her grandchildren.
There are lots of secrets in this book, some of them far more revealing and shocking than others. It was interesting to see just how the siblings dealt with the changes in circumstances, and there really is a mixed bag of reactions. Keep your eyes out for some clowning around, as well as a courthouse scene that made me laugh and roll my eyes simultaneously.
I enjoyed the writing in Each and Every One, and would happily read more books by Rachael English in the future, even though I struggled to connect with this story fully, I could appreciate it was very good.
Gus and Joan have always been well off and have never had a problem funding their children's lifestyles, and then when there is an economic downturn, suddenly the children have to fend for themselves.
However the storyline that properly kept me interested in the book, was Carmel and Ben. Tara meets Ben when she is working on a news story in the area where he lives, and his family get under Tara's skin. Carmel's story is tough, but you can tell she is full of compassion and is just doing what is best for her grandchildren.
There are lots of secrets in this book, some of them far more revealing and shocking than others. It was interesting to see just how the siblings dealt with the changes in circumstances, and there really is a mixed bag of reactions. Keep your eyes out for some clowning around, as well as a courthouse scene that made me laugh and roll my eyes simultaneously.
I enjoyed the writing in Each and Every One, and would happily read more books by Rachael English in the future, even though I struggled to connect with this story fully, I could appreciate it was very good.
May 3, 2016
Our group enjoyed this book as it presented a window onto modern day Dublin around the time of the economic crash. It is a well-written book, light enough to be a 'holiday read' but with enough depth to make you think about its narrative after you've turned the last page.
The rich and prolific array of characters kept our interest, though some found it beneficial to recap on who was who because of the number of people. Some but not all were surprised by the twist, while the characters provoked various reactions in us; probably the mark of a fine novel.
We would definitely like to read more of Rachael English's work and the novel has made us want to seek out her work as a broadcaster.
The rich and prolific array of characters kept our interest, though some found it beneficial to recap on who was who because of the number of people. Some but not all were surprised by the twist, while the characters provoked various reactions in us; probably the mark of a fine novel.
We would definitely like to read more of Rachael English's work and the novel has made us want to seek out her work as a broadcaster.
December 21, 2014
Gus y su esposa quedan en la ruina y le tienen que decir a sus hijos que se tienen que mantener solos.Estos hijos resultaron ser unos tontos viejos,con trabajo,casados y acostumbrados a que sus papitos los ayuden económicamente para comprarse algo de lujo o viajar por el mundo y darse la gran vida.Por lo cual no fui capaz de terminar el libro porque se que después iban a cambiar por arte de magia y todos iban a ser feliz para siempre o bien iba tener que seguir soportando estos personajes que me caían gordos y que merecían ser maltratados y desterrados xD
July 14, 2015
A no spoilers review of an enjoyable read https://lindasbookbag.wordpress.com/2...
October 20, 2019
Not her best
This is the third Rachael English book I have read and sadly it's my least favourite. The start was promising, a family with four adult children who are over reliant on them especially financially. But I only found one main character to be really likeable, Tara, the youngest in the family. The other three were very self centred and a lot of this was their parent's fault. So it was hard to have any sympathy with them when they complained about being taken for granted.
Tara was also the most fleshed out character and had a nice sub plot going with a family from a run down estate. This carried on all the way through the book and I found it more interesting and believable than the main plot.
So all in all, there were some good parts to the book but it could have been better.
This is the third Rachael English book I have read and sadly it's my least favourite. The start was promising, a family with four adult children who are over reliant on them especially financially. But I only found one main character to be really likeable, Tara, the youngest in the family. The other three were very self centred and a lot of this was their parent's fault. So it was hard to have any sympathy with them when they complained about being taken for granted.
Tara was also the most fleshed out character and had a nice sub plot going with a family from a run down estate. This carried on all the way through the book and I found it more interesting and believable than the main plot.
So all in all, there were some good parts to the book but it could have been better.
April 29, 2024
There's an Irishness about this story; yet it could be set anywhere, with its entitled grown-up offspring, and parents trying to make them see sense. A totally character-driven novel, I absolutely loved Tara, who befriends young Ben and his Nan, Carmel. An entire book could be written about Tara, Ben, Carmel and Jenelle.
There are messages throughout the story, underlying messages about entitlement, comfort, and basically sponging. The differences in character in the siblings is stark, as is the case in real life. Rachael English identifies this and crafts an intelligent novel around the conundrums people face when their so-called comfortable lives are upset.
There are messages throughout the story, underlying messages about entitlement, comfort, and basically sponging. The differences in character in the siblings is stark, as is the case in real life. Rachael English identifies this and crafts an intelligent novel around the conundrums people face when their so-called comfortable lives are upset.
January 14, 2024
Rating based on, right book, right time. If you need an easy read this is great. If you're looking for something stimulating, stay away.
April 26, 2020
I love Rachael English. So it killed me to only give this book 3 stars. It just wasnt her best work. Maybe because it is an older title, she has definitely gotten better with each book I think! It was readable, had good characters but it just wasnt as good as her others.
September 22, 2014
Each and Every One is the first book I have read by Rachael English but having devoured this wonderful novel it certainly won’t be the last. Rachael has shown a deft touch with superb writing and a varied cast of characters some you will love others you will really dislike. But that is what makes a great writer, someone you will have you thinking one thing about a character and by the end of the novel you will have totally reversed your opinion. Rachel has her finger on the pulse of current affairs in Ireland and what is happening in the day to day lives of the people living in the most difficult of circumstances and this story reflects how even years after the bubble has burst in our economy the effects are still being felt far and wide.
This story introduces us to the Shine family- Gus (head of the family who runs an accountancy firm), Joan( matriarch but always backs up her husband) and their four grown up children- Vee, Damien, Niall and Tara. The children have lived a life of privilege and continue to do so despite their age. Suddenly Gus announces all the money is gone and he can no longer support the children who will now have to fend for themselves. On top of that Gus begins to call in debts most of which the children can not even begin to pay off. This shock announcement turns the entire family upside down and has repercussions for everybody.
Soon we discover each member of the family has something to hide- Damien the councillor who despite having strong views on how the poor and unfortunate are treated in society is himself not adverse to accepting money when offered. Vee is married to a barrister, has a glamourous house and an enviable designer wardrobe but look a little closer and things are different. Niall is pretending he can roam far and wide and is travelling the world at the expense of his father. Is it time to come back to reality? Tara lives in the basement flat of the Shine house with her boyfriend Craig, working as a reporter (although at the lower end of the scale) she is witness to many horrors that occur every day on the streets of Dublin.
If this is the way some families lived during the Celtic Tiger, I can only assume when the country went bust they had a huge fall from grace and were brought back to reality with a huge bang. No wonder the Shine family found themselves in the position they were in- how could a father continue to support his grown up children pandering to their every need despite two of them being married?
I have to say in the beginning the only characters I warmed to were Tara(the youngest member of the Shine family) and the family she meets in inner city Dublin. Tara seemed the most grounded and thought of others not just herself. Her concern for others was to be admired and she genuinely cared that something was wrong with her parents while the rest of the family remained oblivious. Tara knew how her father had bent over backwards for his children making sure they were safe and secure in the world but will the children return the favour when the tables are turned? One thing that puzzled me was why in the first place was Tara even with Craig? He seemed nothing but a layabout and a waster. He definitely proved when the going gets tough he couldn’t be relied upon.
Carmel, Ben and Jenalle add a realistic element to the story. Their situation is in total contrast to what the Shine family have experienced up until now and their story makes Tara face up to reality. Ben was the breakout star of this novel providing plenty of humour despite the situation he was faced with. Ben’s gran Carmel showed how to make the best of what you have and I was really pleased how their story panned out.
This story has a strong message which is very relevant for the times we live in today. Don’t always judge someone on first impressions because there is always a lot more going on underneath the surface and it is up to us to discover what lies beneath. One particular quote that struck me was ‘ We’re living in the era of instant judgement’- that is certainly true what with Twitter and Facebook but hopefully people can reserve judgement until they learn a little bit more just like Tara does in the book.
I didn’t see the twist coming at all and it was cleverly done so much so that it made me revaluate all the opinions I had formed for most of the novel. This only affirmed for me what a clever, astute writer Rachael English is and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
This story introduces us to the Shine family- Gus (head of the family who runs an accountancy firm), Joan( matriarch but always backs up her husband) and their four grown up children- Vee, Damien, Niall and Tara. The children have lived a life of privilege and continue to do so despite their age. Suddenly Gus announces all the money is gone and he can no longer support the children who will now have to fend for themselves. On top of that Gus begins to call in debts most of which the children can not even begin to pay off. This shock announcement turns the entire family upside down and has repercussions for everybody.
Soon we discover each member of the family has something to hide- Damien the councillor who despite having strong views on how the poor and unfortunate are treated in society is himself not adverse to accepting money when offered. Vee is married to a barrister, has a glamourous house and an enviable designer wardrobe but look a little closer and things are different. Niall is pretending he can roam far and wide and is travelling the world at the expense of his father. Is it time to come back to reality? Tara lives in the basement flat of the Shine house with her boyfriend Craig, working as a reporter (although at the lower end of the scale) she is witness to many horrors that occur every day on the streets of Dublin.
If this is the way some families lived during the Celtic Tiger, I can only assume when the country went bust they had a huge fall from grace and were brought back to reality with a huge bang. No wonder the Shine family found themselves in the position they were in- how could a father continue to support his grown up children pandering to their every need despite two of them being married?
I have to say in the beginning the only characters I warmed to were Tara(the youngest member of the Shine family) and the family she meets in inner city Dublin. Tara seemed the most grounded and thought of others not just herself. Her concern for others was to be admired and she genuinely cared that something was wrong with her parents while the rest of the family remained oblivious. Tara knew how her father had bent over backwards for his children making sure they were safe and secure in the world but will the children return the favour when the tables are turned? One thing that puzzled me was why in the first place was Tara even with Craig? He seemed nothing but a layabout and a waster. He definitely proved when the going gets tough he couldn’t be relied upon.
Carmel, Ben and Jenalle add a realistic element to the story. Their situation is in total contrast to what the Shine family have experienced up until now and their story makes Tara face up to reality. Ben was the breakout star of this novel providing plenty of humour despite the situation he was faced with. Ben’s gran Carmel showed how to make the best of what you have and I was really pleased how their story panned out.
This story has a strong message which is very relevant for the times we live in today. Don’t always judge someone on first impressions because there is always a lot more going on underneath the surface and it is up to us to discover what lies beneath. One particular quote that struck me was ‘ We’re living in the era of instant judgement’- that is certainly true what with Twitter and Facebook but hopefully people can reserve judgement until they learn a little bit more just like Tara does in the book.
I didn’t see the twist coming at all and it was cleverly done so much so that it made me revaluate all the opinions I had formed for most of the novel. This only affirmed for me what a clever, astute writer Rachael English is and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
July 25, 2015
3.5 stars
The Shine family have lived a comfortable life. A lovely home on leafy Dublin street, family holidays and property abroad, private education for their children. All this was handed to them on a plate, via the hard work of Gus and Joan, their hard working parents. But all this is about to change. Gus announces that his money has run out and breaks the news that his children must now stand on their own feet, supporting themselves and their own families, for the first time in their lives. Tara, Vee, Niall and Damien are shocked with the news and, except for Tara, struggle with their new cut-backs. This story delves into the lives of the four adult Shine children and how they deal with change.
I loved Rachael's first novel, Going Back, so was delighted to get my hands on a review copy of this second novel from the Irish writer and presenter.
This book is very different to the first. The characters are more serious, the narrative is not as fun and the characters are, for the most, irritating. The end of the Celtic tiger years is a feature of a lot of Irish fiction at the moment. The boom/bust stories are frequent and seem to imply that we were a greedy nation, pouring money down the drain and deserve the crisp awakening of these 'lessons learned'. I had hopes that this book would be different. The Shine family, however, were a stereotypical, self made dynasty, who showered their children with luxuries and continued to do so, even after they grew up and moved on with their own lives. Did Gus and Joan really believe that encouraging their thirty-something son to go on an endless 'Gap-Year', or paying their daughters mortgage and her kids school fees, while allowing her to shop endlessly and expensively, was helping mold their personalities? Their wannabe politician son, Damien, is a hypocrite, with socialist ideals but children who attend expensive, private schools (also paid by Daddy Shine). Even the token, grounded daughter, Tara, who has a real job and a bit of ambition, is withdrawing funds from the family piggy bank. She lives in the basement of her parents large home in an affluent neighbourhood and supports herself and layabout boyfriend. When I say support, I mean, she buys food and beer. No rent is payed and the bills seem to be paid by her parents also.
When the siblings hold a meeting, to discuss their new hardship, I found it impossible to connect with any of them. I had hopes for Tara, though. She is a journalist who has seen the other side of the coin and has even befriended a family from a very difficult social background to the one she is used to. But, even Tara shows her true colours. When she discovers something related to her parents financial difficulty, she storms off in a child-like temper and the reader is told of her new lodgings being in a terrible bedsit in Ballsbridge. For those readers who know Dublin, Ballsbridge is a very affluent area, and even the smallest bedsits could set you back more than a lovely 2/3 bed home in lesser areas. My sympathies were not with Tara, or indeed any of the Shines.
My sympathies were, however, with Carmel, a worn down grandmother from a rough area of Dublin, who struggles on a daily basis to protect her two young grandkids from the harsh reality of their situation. Tara has a good heart and befriends this family, and I kept wishing that some of Carmels genuine compassion would rub off on the young journalist.
I was a little disappointed in this novel, but maybe that is because I am overdosed on works of fiction telling me that Irish people are much better off since the recession hit. Being told that we are now more genuine, more caring and compassionate. I would like to think that some of us have indeed improved our attitudes, but the family in this book screamed of Capitalism, snobbery and self pity. I would love to have heard more of the day to day realities of Carmel and her situation. This book is the story of a family. Just not a very nice one. Just the wrong one.
Rachael English is a talented writer and storyteller. Her style is easy to read, flows along nicely and has a lovely warm tone. I am a fan, just not of this fictional family. I hope her next novel comes soon and returns to the relaxed form of Going Back.
The Shine family have lived a comfortable life. A lovely home on leafy Dublin street, family holidays and property abroad, private education for their children. All this was handed to them on a plate, via the hard work of Gus and Joan, their hard working parents. But all this is about to change. Gus announces that his money has run out and breaks the news that his children must now stand on their own feet, supporting themselves and their own families, for the first time in their lives. Tara, Vee, Niall and Damien are shocked with the news and, except for Tara, struggle with their new cut-backs. This story delves into the lives of the four adult Shine children and how they deal with change.
I loved Rachael's first novel, Going Back, so was delighted to get my hands on a review copy of this second novel from the Irish writer and presenter.
This book is very different to the first. The characters are more serious, the narrative is not as fun and the characters are, for the most, irritating. The end of the Celtic tiger years is a feature of a lot of Irish fiction at the moment. The boom/bust stories are frequent and seem to imply that we were a greedy nation, pouring money down the drain and deserve the crisp awakening of these 'lessons learned'. I had hopes that this book would be different. The Shine family, however, were a stereotypical, self made dynasty, who showered their children with luxuries and continued to do so, even after they grew up and moved on with their own lives. Did Gus and Joan really believe that encouraging their thirty-something son to go on an endless 'Gap-Year', or paying their daughters mortgage and her kids school fees, while allowing her to shop endlessly and expensively, was helping mold their personalities? Their wannabe politician son, Damien, is a hypocrite, with socialist ideals but children who attend expensive, private schools (also paid by Daddy Shine). Even the token, grounded daughter, Tara, who has a real job and a bit of ambition, is withdrawing funds from the family piggy bank. She lives in the basement of her parents large home in an affluent neighbourhood and supports herself and layabout boyfriend. When I say support, I mean, she buys food and beer. No rent is payed and the bills seem to be paid by her parents also.
When the siblings hold a meeting, to discuss their new hardship, I found it impossible to connect with any of them. I had hopes for Tara, though. She is a journalist who has seen the other side of the coin and has even befriended a family from a very difficult social background to the one she is used to. But, even Tara shows her true colours. When she discovers something related to her parents financial difficulty, she storms off in a child-like temper and the reader is told of her new lodgings being in a terrible bedsit in Ballsbridge. For those readers who know Dublin, Ballsbridge is a very affluent area, and even the smallest bedsits could set you back more than a lovely 2/3 bed home in lesser areas. My sympathies were not with Tara, or indeed any of the Shines.
My sympathies were, however, with Carmel, a worn down grandmother from a rough area of Dublin, who struggles on a daily basis to protect her two young grandkids from the harsh reality of their situation. Tara has a good heart and befriends this family, and I kept wishing that some of Carmels genuine compassion would rub off on the young journalist.
I was a little disappointed in this novel, but maybe that is because I am overdosed on works of fiction telling me that Irish people are much better off since the recession hit. Being told that we are now more genuine, more caring and compassionate. I would like to think that some of us have indeed improved our attitudes, but the family in this book screamed of Capitalism, snobbery and self pity. I would love to have heard more of the day to day realities of Carmel and her situation. This book is the story of a family. Just not a very nice one. Just the wrong one.
Rachael English is a talented writer and storyteller. Her style is easy to read, flows along nicely and has a lovely warm tone. I am a fan, just not of this fictional family. I hope her next novel comes soon and returns to the relaxed form of Going Back.
April 3, 2016
Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Gus and Joan Shine have worked hard their entire lives to build a good life for themselves and their four children: Tara, Damian, Vee and Niall. However, even though the children are now all adults, they seem to have gotten a bit too used to the luxuries of life and too reliant on the bank of mum and dad. Tara, the youngest, is the only one with an actual salary and full-time job, while the others are more focused on other things. So when Gus and Joan reveal they've been having some financial problems and things will have to change, the family's lives are suddenly turned upside down. It's time to be honest, but will each member of the Shine family be able to face up to their problems so they can get out of this mess together?
'Each and Every One' is my second Rachel English novel and it's, once again, an engaging and well-written one which I thoroughly enjoyed. The book tells the story of the Shine family who are used to living quite a luxurious life, until there are money troubles and suddenly everyone is forced to change their ways and face their problems. The focus lies on all members of the family: Gus and Joan and their four children Vee, Damian, Tara and Niall. I was particularly captivated by Tara's storyline; she is the youngest of the family and the only one with a full-time job as a journalist. For a particular story she ends up meeting a family from a poor background, Carmel and her grandson Ben, and they develop a fascinating friendship which I thought was a great aspect of this novel.
I loved the fact that the novel really focused on several different colourful characters and storylines, providing the reader with the chance to learn a bit more about what goes on behind closed doors of all members of the Shine family. While I didn't end up connecting and warming to the characters as I maybe would have liked, I really enjoyed sitting down with this book, which is also thanks to the author's engaging and detailed writing style. If I wasn't already convinced by Rachael English, I definitely am now and I already look forward to see what she will come up with next. 'Each and Every One' is a captivating, well-written and engaging novel about family; a great choice for any women's fiction fan looking for their next read!
Gus and Joan Shine have worked hard their entire lives to build a good life for themselves and their four children: Tara, Damian, Vee and Niall. However, even though the children are now all adults, they seem to have gotten a bit too used to the luxuries of life and too reliant on the bank of mum and dad. Tara, the youngest, is the only one with an actual salary and full-time job, while the others are more focused on other things. So when Gus and Joan reveal they've been having some financial problems and things will have to change, the family's lives are suddenly turned upside down. It's time to be honest, but will each member of the Shine family be able to face up to their problems so they can get out of this mess together?
'Each and Every One' is my second Rachel English novel and it's, once again, an engaging and well-written one which I thoroughly enjoyed. The book tells the story of the Shine family who are used to living quite a luxurious life, until there are money troubles and suddenly everyone is forced to change their ways and face their problems. The focus lies on all members of the family: Gus and Joan and their four children Vee, Damian, Tara and Niall. I was particularly captivated by Tara's storyline; she is the youngest of the family and the only one with a full-time job as a journalist. For a particular story she ends up meeting a family from a poor background, Carmel and her grandson Ben, and they develop a fascinating friendship which I thought was a great aspect of this novel.
I loved the fact that the novel really focused on several different colourful characters and storylines, providing the reader with the chance to learn a bit more about what goes on behind closed doors of all members of the Shine family. While I didn't end up connecting and warming to the characters as I maybe would have liked, I really enjoyed sitting down with this book, which is also thanks to the author's engaging and detailed writing style. If I wasn't already convinced by Rachael English, I definitely am now and I already look forward to see what she will come up with next. 'Each and Every One' is a captivating, well-written and engaging novel about family; a great choice for any women's fiction fan looking for their next read!
September 24, 2014
Gus and Joan have four children, Vee, Damian, Niall and Tara. Tara is the youngest and the most sensitive of the four. They're used to a life filled with luxury and Gus and Joan are spending loads of money on their children. When things get tough financially the children have to adjust their lifestyle and for some of them that's easier than for others. It's time for all of them to grow up and to start providing for themselves. Living without the comfort of money isn't easy and it makes them think about their life and the decisions they've made. Some necessary changes have to be made. Will they be able to cope or are things going to get really tough?
Truth is a very important topic in this novel. It isn't always easy to face reality. Gus has his own company and he's worked hard for his money. Three of his four children don't have jobs. They're working from time to time or on a part time basis, but their full income comes from their father. Tara is a journalist and she's the only one who receives an actual salary. She is the one who needs to help the others. Meanwhile she's hurt and heartbroken. I loved reading about her life and the people she's forming bonds with. There are some ups and a lot of downs, but she's stronger than she thinks she is and she is my favorite family member. Her story is such a beautiful part of this novel. It's never wise to take money for granted and some valuable lessons have to be learned by the main characters of this book. Rachael English has such an impressive way with words, her amazing and unique writing style is definitely part of the greatness of this story. If you haven't bought this book yet, you should. I'm one hundred percent sure you will love it!
Truth is a very important topic in this novel. It isn't always easy to face reality. Gus has his own company and he's worked hard for his money. Three of his four children don't have jobs. They're working from time to time or on a part time basis, but their full income comes from their father. Tara is a journalist and she's the only one who receives an actual salary. She is the one who needs to help the others. Meanwhile she's hurt and heartbroken. I loved reading about her life and the people she's forming bonds with. There are some ups and a lot of downs, but she's stronger than she thinks she is and she is my favorite family member. Her story is such a beautiful part of this novel. It's never wise to take money for granted and some valuable lessons have to be learned by the main characters of this book. Rachael English has such an impressive way with words, her amazing and unique writing style is definitely part of the greatness of this story. If you haven't bought this book yet, you should. I'm one hundred percent sure you will love it!
May 31, 2015
http://sylwiasbookshelf.com/each-and-...
Each and Every One was an enthralling family drama with a mix of interesting characters. Joan and Gus are the parents of four grown up children. Even though the siblings all share the same last name, they are four very different personalities. Vee – the fashion queen, always wearing toenail polish that’s currently en vogue and whose wardrobe is bursting with designer dresses; Damien – a political mind with left-wing views; Niall – free spirit enjoying a gap year that lasts forever; and Tara – always the reasonable one, and the only one who can earn her living not having to dip into her parents’ pockets. However, when the parents can’t provide the cheques anymore, all the children suffer equally, and suddenly they have to do some growing up. It was very interesting to see how each of them dealt with that situation, and to observe how the relationship between them changed. As a result, the Shine children ended up in unexpected and not always pleasant situations. It turns out that that money was, after all, the centre of their lives and now they have to take the responsibility for their actions. There are lessons for everyone, including the parents!
I really enjoyed reading Each and Every One. It was a very good story, well paced and with an interesting twist. I found Rachael’s writing style unique and thought it really added to the story and made it truly engaging. The money and how it affected relationships between the family members was a great central point in the book, but I really liked the addition of the side story with another family, and how the most unexpected people had to give the Shines a lessons on what it really means to be a family.
Each and Every One was an enthralling family drama with a mix of interesting characters. Joan and Gus are the parents of four grown up children. Even though the siblings all share the same last name, they are four very different personalities. Vee – the fashion queen, always wearing toenail polish that’s currently en vogue and whose wardrobe is bursting with designer dresses; Damien – a political mind with left-wing views; Niall – free spirit enjoying a gap year that lasts forever; and Tara – always the reasonable one, and the only one who can earn her living not having to dip into her parents’ pockets. However, when the parents can’t provide the cheques anymore, all the children suffer equally, and suddenly they have to do some growing up. It was very interesting to see how each of them dealt with that situation, and to observe how the relationship between them changed. As a result, the Shine children ended up in unexpected and not always pleasant situations. It turns out that that money was, after all, the centre of their lives and now they have to take the responsibility for their actions. There are lessons for everyone, including the parents!
I really enjoyed reading Each and Every One. It was a very good story, well paced and with an interesting twist. I found Rachael’s writing style unique and thought it really added to the story and made it truly engaging. The money and how it affected relationships between the family members was a great central point in the book, but I really liked the addition of the side story with another family, and how the most unexpected people had to give the Shines a lessons on what it really means to be a family.
October 5, 2014
Rachael English has hit us again with another completely stunning adult novel. I got on board with the Shine families journey through what we all thought was a hard financial situation, and was utterly shocked by the secrets that were uncovered throughout the story. The people you'd least expect to be behind the lies and deception are the ones to turn out to be the worst of the lot.
The story development throughout this book was perfect, each scene was beautifully written, and put at exactly the right moments. In terms of development I don't think the book could have done any better. I did find the start a bit slow, and I wasn't exactly sure where the book was going, or whether I'd really like it; but like Rachael's previous book, I was pleasantly surprised.
The only part of this book I really had any problem with, was how the ending developed. I didn't feel like the Ben incidented really fitted with the rest of the story, however it did lead up to a brilliant ending, so I'm not really going to complain about that bit, because every second of those few chapters had my heart racing.
The story development throughout this book was perfect, each scene was beautifully written, and put at exactly the right moments. In terms of development I don't think the book could have done any better. I did find the start a bit slow, and I wasn't exactly sure where the book was going, or whether I'd really like it; but like Rachael's previous book, I was pleasantly surprised.
The only part of this book I really had any problem with, was how the ending developed. I didn't feel like the Ben incidented really fitted with the rest of the story, however it did lead up to a brilliant ending, so I'm not really going to complain about that bit, because every second of those few chapters had my heart racing.
February 22, 2015
After Rachael English's debut novel 'Going Back' I hoped for another great read. Hopes were exceeded with each page turned. Yes the story centres on a family however the natural way that the story weaves in the lives of others reflects how well the author understands not only people but their place in each other's lives. While I thoroughly enjoyed 'Going Back' I would have welcomed more from a couple of the characters. 'Each & Every One' brings that expansion, depth and more with the characters so vividly developed that for me they came to live. I doubt I am the only one to see the potential for this story to be told on the small screen. And yes I even have suggestions of actors. Even if this story does not venture beyond the pages it is one that will delight current fans and bring a new author to the attention of others. Tempted to go into much more detail in this review but could not do so without spoilers and would not want to deprive anyone from reading this book. Enjoy.
April 2, 2016
It's a bit of fluff!! But not bad as bits of fluff go. Not one where I skipped to the end early, for instance.
I really wanted to hit the 4 adult offspring over the head, a few times, for being such entitled gits. Maybe that's what it's like in some rich families. Damien's transformation was the most rewarding.
I really wanted to hit the 4 adult offspring over the head, a few times, for being such entitled gits. Maybe that's what it's like in some rich families. Damien's transformation was the most rewarding.
November 5, 2015
Very interesting book, that reflects the depression in Ireland and the consequences of it in family relationships. The writer makes a very good point on people living beyond their means, so a very real problem that Ireland faced recently. I liked the twist at the end.
April 22, 2016
Really does show how much you take things for granted when you read this book. It is a good story, a bit all over the place at times trying to fit in the other members of the story but an overall good one to take with you on holiday for a light read.
Want to read
August 27, 2014I feel very happy,if i receive this mail.
April 25, 2017
Quite liked this. A good Irish post-boom read.
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