What Becomes of Us
Published on 7. January 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-1-4447-9411-3 (ISBN)
Description
When Maria Mills flees London with only a suitcase and her young daughter, she is intent on a new life. To hide from her past, she has carefully constructed a story based on a lie even her child believes is true.
It is 1965 and Dublin is a city on the cusp of change. As the country prepares to commemorate the 1916 Rising, Maria meets Tess McDermott, a former member of Cumann na mBan. Tess saw active service during the Rising and Maria soon realises that she, too, is closely guarding a secret.
Set against the backdrop of stifling social mores alongside a defiant new wave of women's liberation, What Becomes of Us is a beautifully told story of the delicate balance between risk and survival, of nationhood and of the struggle to carve out a new identity when the past refuses to let go.
It is 1965 and Dublin is a city on the cusp of change. As the country prepares to commemorate the 1916 Rising, Maria meets Tess McDermott, a former member of Cumann na mBan. Tess saw active service during the Rising and Maria soon realises that she, too, is closely guarding a secret.
Set against the backdrop of stifling social mores alongside a defiant new wave of women's liberation, What Becomes of Us is a beautifully told story of the delicate balance between risk and survival, of nationhood and of the struggle to carve out a new identity when the past refuses to let go.
Reviews / Votes
A thoughtful, poignant and insightful novel ... there's a hint of Binchy in McKervey's ability to tell a complex, entertaining story with intelligence and wit - Irish TimesA beautifully written account of a time when women, still subjugated, were determined to fight for their rights. It's also a story of friendship, neighbourliness, what family really means, and where it can be found ... All of the characters are superbly drawn - Irish Examiner
An impressive debut ... There is plenty to admire and contemplate in this enjoyable portrait of Ireland's many-layered past - Sunday Business Post
An assured debut - RTE Guide
A timely debut ... [What Becomes of Us] features strong women, is culturally topical and it explores a fascinating era for women's lives both in the past and the novel's present - Image Mag
A fascinating read that deals with big questions about female activism and solidarity ... McKervey's lean writing, light historical touch and engaging narrative never falter, and this impressive debut marks the writer out as a talent able to tell a complex story with intelligence and humour - Sunday Times
Engaging ... This is an atmospheric debut and the writing is crisp - Sunday Independent
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Castleknock
Ireland
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 144 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
230 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4447-9411-3 (9781444794113)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Henrietta Mckervey
What Becomes of Us
E-Book
04/2015
1st Edition
Hachette Books Ireland
€4.49
Available for download
Person
Henrietta McKervey is from Belfast and lives in Dublin.
She is the author of the acclaimed literary novels What Becomes of Us, The Heart of Everything and Violet Hill. A Talented Man is her fourth novel.
@hmckervey
www.henriettamckervey.com
She is the author of the acclaimed literary novels What Becomes of Us, The Heart of Everything and Violet Hill. A Talented Man is her fourth novel.
@hmckervey
www.henriettamckervey.com