Ordinary Human Failings

This gripping tale explores the aftermath of a young girl's death, focusing on the reclusive Greens family and their buried secrets in Ordinary Human Failings.

In Ordinary Human Failings, set against the backdrop of 1990 London, a tragic event shakes a community when a young girl dies under mysterious circumstances. The focus of suspicion quickly turns to the reclusive Greens, an Irish family whose past is marred by secrets and silences. At the center of this family is Carmel, a once-promising young woman whose life has been shaped by love and loss. As the media frenzy intensifies, Carmel finds herself grappling with the weight of her family's history and the expectations placed upon her.

The narrative unfolds as Carmel confronts the challenges of her identity and the societal pressures that threaten to engulf her family. The story delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, all while exploring the impact of tragedy on a community. The reader is invited to witness the unraveling of the Greens' carefully constructed facade, revealing the vulnerabilities that lie beneath.

Ordinary Human Failings has garnered critical acclaim, being longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024 and shortlisted for the 2023 Nero Book Awards. With its compelling characters and poignant storytelling, this novel is a reflection on the human condition and the ordinary failures that define our lives.