Jamie Fewery’s new book The Way Back, published by Orion, explores the rather complex subject of family.
The Cadogans, his protagonists, open the novel as estranged siblings brought together by the demise of their father.
Gerry Cadogan, directing his children even from beyond the grave, forces Patrick, Kirsty and Jessica on a road trip to Scotland to dispose of his ashes. What follows is an insightful, poignant and, at times, funny dissection of how a family deals with the extraordinary rawness of grief, and also guilt and love, in all its guises.
Fewery writes fluidly and cohesively about family issues, creating characters who most of us, at times, will relate to, the siblings’ pettiness, unresolved conflicts and honesty feeling uncomfortably authentic.
It’s well-written and highly readable.
Recommended.