Thank you, Gretchen!🌷Totally agree with you. I found the way Megan Nolan shows us the growth of Carmel as Lucy’s mother, John taking up his grandfather’s role, and Richie’s descent into alcoholism, impressive and very real. Tom was at times infuriating! Also for me it deserved to be shortlisted. I’ve only read Enter Ghost and Restless Dolly Maunder so far, but found Nolan’s book definitely stronger than Dolly Maunder… The problem must have been indeed having two more Irish competitors. Tonight I’m starting River East River West.
I had a slightly different experience with this book, but I appreciate your observations about predatory media and the role society plays in encouraging it. (Tom was my favorite character 😏)