In Anne Enright's latest novel, three generations of women deal with the heartbreak, trauma, and fallout of a famous father and grandfather's abandonment. Nell, the granddaughter, never knew her grandfather, the esteemed Irish poet, Phil McDaragh. Despite this, she is …more haunted by his love poems. Nell's mother, Carmel, focuses on coming to terms with the cruel man she knew versus the poet. Carmel can't understand how he was able to leave her mother while she was fighting cancer. Carmel's sister, Imelda, is intent on defending her father, and seems to forget that he left his young family. All four women struggle with the ghost of the man who wrote beautiful love poems, but deserted those who needed him the most.

It took me a few chapters to get into the book. Carmel was my favorite character, probably because I could identify with her the most. The poetry sprinkled throughout the book added a lovely bonus, and I liked the references to birds.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel, but I do not think it is Anne Enright's best work. (less)