Our Lady of Everything

This debut novel explores the intertwining lives of a grandmother and her grandson's fiancée, revealing their struggles with faith and identity in turbulent times.

In Our Lady of Everything, readers are introduced to Margaret O'Shea, a grandmother whose world is turned upside down as her grandson Eoin fights in Iraq. Margaret finds herself praying fervently for Eoin's safety, navigating her own beliefs while grappling with the complexities of love and faith. Her devotion is profound, yet it is challenged by the unexpected connections and conflicts that arise within her family and community.

Katarzyna, Eoin's fiancée, embodies the struggle between tradition and personal belief. A devoted Catholic, she attends a Polish church in Nottingham, diverging from Margaret's Irish roots. As Eoin's absence weighs heavily on both women, Katarzyna seeks solace in unconventional ways. Her friendship with David, a PhD graduate delving into Chaos Magic, leads her down a path of exploration that intertwines their lives in unexpected and chaotic ways.

When a video surfaces showing a wounded Iraqi soldier that bears a striking resemblance to Eoin, the narrative takes a poignant turn. Our Lady of Everything is a sharp and moving debut that navigates the intersections of belief, identity, and the lengths to which people go to cope with uncertainty and fear. Through humor and heartache, the story reveals the complexities of love and the human experience in times of crisis.