Stella appears to lead a beautiful life, living in a leafy Dublin suburb but no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Neighbour Rea has heard the noises from next door but due to her personal issues she can’t step foot outside her front door to help. In between their chapters is the story of an Irish family who save up for the holiday of a lifetime.
This is one of those books where it is best to go in knowing very little about the plot. It’s an extremely powerful read about broken lives, which will wring every emotion out of you. Its dramatic scenes are superbly handled and will make you feel you are right there besides the characters. Truly outstanding.
In Carmel Harrington's latest novel, The Woman at 72 Derry Lane, there are often secrets behind closed doors. The summary says: "On a leafy suburban street in Dublin, beautiful, poised Stella Greene lives with her successful husband, Matt. The perfect couple in every way, Stella appears to have it all.
Next door, at number 72 however, lives Rea Brady. Gruff, bad-tempered and rarely seen besides the twitching of her net curtains, rumour has it she's lost it all ... including her marbles if you believe the neighbourhood gossip.
But appearances can be deceiving and when Stella and Rea's worlds collide they realise they have much in common. Both are trapped in a prison of their own making. Has help been next door without them realising it?" The Woman at 72 Derry Lane is out in June 2017.