All the Beggars Riding

Lara's journey in All the Beggars Riding reveals the complexities of family, love, and loss as she confronts her father's absence and her mother's decline.

In All the Beggars Riding, we follow Lara, who, at twelve years old, faces the devastating loss of her father, a renowned plastic surgeon, in a helicopter crash. Her father, an Irishman, had spent much of his time away from the family, only returning to London for weekends to work at the Harley Street Clinic. The family had grown accustomed to his absence, with only a single family holiday to Spain marking their time together, which ended in conflict and tears. This absence looms large in Lara's memories, shaping her understanding of family and love.

As the narrative unfolds, Lara, now nearing forty, finds herself in a position of caring for her dying mother. This poignant moment forces her to confront the complexities of her past and the shadow of her father's life in Belfast, where he led a separate existence. The story delves into themes of loss, identity, and the longing for connection, as Lara grapples with the memories that haunt her and the relationships that have shaped her.

All the Beggars Riding is a deeply moving exploration of the ties that bind families together, even amidst tragedy. Lucy Caldwell, the award-winning author of The Meeting Point, weaves a tale that resonates with anyone who has experienced the intricacies of love and the weight of familial expectations, making this novel a compelling read for those interested in the human condition.