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Common Decency

A dark, intimate novel of love, grief and obsession

Susannah Dickey author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Transworld Publishers Ltd

Published:27th Jul '23

Should be back in stock very soon

Common Decency cover

This compelling novel explores the lives of two women navigating grief and obsession, ultimately leading to a confrontation that changes everything in Common Decency.

In Common Decency, the intertwined lives of two women in Belfast reveal the complexities of grief and obsession. Lily, a young woman grappling with the death of her mother, finds herself trapped in a cycle of sorrow and anger. Her world has become a shadow of its former self, and she struggles to break free from the emotional turmoil that consumes her. Meanwhile, her neighbor Siobhán is caught in the throes of a passionate yet tumultuous affair with a married man, leaving her own life in disarray. Siobhán's existence revolves around the unpredictable nature of her relationship, blinding her to the pain that Lily endures just below her.

As the story unfolds, Lily becomes increasingly fixated on Siobhán's seemingly vibrant life, which starkly contrasts her own. This fixation morphs into a dangerous obsession, as Lily begins to plot a way to confront her neighbor about her choices. The narrative deftly explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths to which one might go when overwhelmed by grief. Common Decency invites readers to reflect on the darker sides of human emotions and the intricate connections that bind us, even in our most vulnerable moments.

With its sharp prose and deeply moving character studies, this coming-of-age novel offers a poignant exploration of the human experience. The author skillfully balances humor and heartache, making Common Decency a compelling read that resonates long after the final page.

Elizabeth Day's Book of the Year * Daily Mail, Best Books of 2022 *
[A] treat . . . vividly compelling . . . a rare talent, and certainly one to watch * Sunday Times *
A vivid and beautifully written novel that confirms [Dickey] as one of literature's major new talents ... its quiet despair is genuinely affecting * Observer *
Common Decency is a study of alienation and connection, of love and grief, written by an author who truly cares about language and understands its power from within. Susannah Dickey is a phenomenal talent and I loved this novel. * Elizabeth Day *
I loved Common Decency, a perfectly judged glimpse at two variations of loneliness and how they inform and relate to one another. Such a surprising, clever, sad and strange book which I am still thinking about long after finishing - and yet such a propulsive joy to read too. * Megan Nolan *
Susannah Dickey has an uncanny ability to get right to the dark heart of her characters, blending acidic observation with a generous side of kindness. Common Decency is sharp as tacks, extremely funny and deeply moving. This novel is very good company.' * Jan Carson *
With hints of Fleabag, Ottessa Moshfegh and Sally Rooney, it's strong, compelling and occasionally very funny stuff...seriously readable * Daily Mail *
Quite simply, one of the funniest and most insightful novelists writing today. Her turn of phrase, ear for dialogue, wry humour and power of observation is masterful. * Nell Frizzell *
A poignant, deft portrayal of love, obsession and grief * Stylist *
Rich and absorbing . . . a writer coming into her own, assured in what it is she is trying to do. . . thrilling and engaging. We are carried along by the prose; we trust it knows where it's going. * Irish Times *

ISBN: 9781804991046

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 19mm

Weight: 220g

320 pages