Instructions for a Heatwave

In Instructions for a Heatwave, an Irish family faces turmoil during the summer of 1976 as they search for their missing father, revealing deep-seated issues.

Set against the backdrop of the scorching summer of 1976, Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell explores the complexities of family dynamics during a time of crisis. As the heatwave grips London, Robert Riordan mysteriously disappears after telling his wife, Gretta, that he is stepping out to buy a newspaper. His sudden absence sends shockwaves through the family, forcing them to confront their estranged relationships and unresolved tensions. Gretta's two daughters and son return home, each bringing their own perspectives and assumptions about their father's whereabouts.

The narrative delves into the lives of Gretta's children, revealing the strains in their lives and the burdens they carry. The sisters, once close, find themselves at odds as they grapple with their father's disappearance and their mother's silence. Meanwhile, their brother, on the verge of divorce, adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics. Through their search for Robert, the siblings must confront not only their father’s absence but also the secrets and unspoken truths that have long lingered in their family.

Instructions for a Heatwave is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the ties that bind families together, even in the most challenging times. O'Farrell's writing captures the essence of a family in turmoil, highlighting the resilience and fragility of human connections amidst the oppressive heat of a summer that seems to stretch on forever.