The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually

A poignant exploration of love, family, and self-discovery

Helen Cullen author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:13th May '21

Should be back in stock very soon

The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually cover

In The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually, the Moone family navigates love and loss while uncovering their parents' hidden past on a beautiful Irish island.

Set against the stunning backdrop of an island off the west coast of Ireland, The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually follows the Moone family as they navigate the complexities of love, loss, and identity. Maeve, an aspiring actress, faces her most daunting role yet: motherhood to her four children. Her husband, Murtagh, a dedicated potter, has transitioned their lives from the hustle of the city to the tranquility of rural existence. However, a life-altering event compels the Moone siblings to unravel the intricate tapestry of their parents' past, revealing secrets that have shaped their family dynamic.

As the story unfolds, the narrative explores the rich layers of familial relationships and the impact of personal history on the present. The Moone siblings embark on a journey of discovery, piecing together their parents' love story that began years ago outside Trinity College in Dublin. This exploration of their roots leads them to confront their own identities and the unpredictable nature of the future, ultimately culminating in a revelation that none could have foreseen, except perhaps Maeve herself.

The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually is more than just a family saga; it is a heartfelt celebration of the human spirit. Through beautifully crafted prose, the author delves into themes of resilience, mental health, and the enduring bonds of family, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with readers. This poignant tale invites us to reflect on the complexities of love and the stubborn optimism that defines the human experience.

A beautiful bittersweet story of love, loss and families all set in the most irresistible of locations. Tears were shed! -- Graham Norton
A moving and powerful novel from one of Ireland's finest new writers -- John Boyne
Such a true gift of a novel, with its sumptuous forward momentum, and rare precision, and inspired imagery.The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually generates a very bright light, one that is human, graceful, and healing. It's an absolute pleasure to read -- Sebastian Barry
Just loved it . . . so moving on motherhood, depression, family ties and Ireland -- Annie Macmanus
A beautiful story. I was gripped and held in a state of love for all the characters -- Sarah Winman, Sunday Times bestselling author of Tin Man
I devoured this, falling in love with the setting and with every character - and when I reached the end, I wept. It is just glorious. A sweeping family safe and, at the same time, a close-up on the everyday beautiful details that make up love -- Emma Flint, author of Little Deaths
We are seduced by the story of the star-crossed lovers * Sunday Times *
Cullen's quietly devastating second novel is both a family saga and a careful exploration of the reality of living with mental health issues * i paper *
A beautiful meditation on family life in Ireland -- Elaine Feeney, Irish Times
An extremely moving read. Handles the complexities of love, grief, family life and mental illness with sensitivity and depth. A truly gorgeous novel. -- Ali Land, author of Good Me, Bad Me

ISBN: 9781405935173

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 21mm

Weight: 246g

352 pages