Classic Monica McInerney and a delight to follow the further adventures of the Quinlan family. Thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish

Monica has written another superb novel. It takes the reader on a wonderful, emotional rollercoaster of a trip where Lola returns to her birthplace.

I have to say, I adored this book. I struggled to put it down, it was such a lovely read.
The central character here is Lola; she's 85, completely eccentric in her sense of style (I aspire to be Lola, she doesn't give two hoots!), the keeper of secrets, the patriarch of her family who she clearly adores with her every being.
It's not hard to warm to Lola, very early on we learn of a certain vulnerability she has, though she does appear to hide it quite well from her loved ones.
Having left Ireland as a young bride under a dark cloud more than sixty years ago, Lola decides it's time to return, despite knowing she will possibly have to share some well buried, dark secrets from her past. Her grandaughter Bett and great-granddaughter Ellen are enlisted as travel companions, however, the trip doesn't exactly go to plan.
While Lola's trip is the main focus of the book, other stories are playing out well in the background. The characters are very real, from Carrie, Bett's younger, dizzy sister to Geraldine, Lola's resentful and not very likable daughter in law.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Trip of a Lifetime, from start to finish. It has certainly encouraged me to seek out more from Monica McInerney.