A New Year

A story about family, ageing, fresh starts and the beautiful things that happen when we least expect them to.

Suad misses her husband. He died unexpectedly during an argument at work, and she never got to say goodbye. But Suad knows she is lucky. Her three children have promised to look after her. After several false starts, she receives a warm welcome from her oldest son and settles down with his family in the countryside.

Everything goes smoothly – at first. Her grandchildren love her freshly baked falafel and watching TV together. But as the months pass, the relationship between Suad and her daughter-in-law grow tense. Her daughter-in-law accuses Suad of interfering with her grandchildren, stops talking to her, then finally asks Suad to leave the house altogether.

Suad must brave living alone. She sets out on a new life for herself, determined to make the best of it. How can she budget for just one person? How can she fill the long hours of the day? And will the neighbours warm to her?