THE ALTERNATIVES: Caoilinn Hughes' thought-provoking novel follows the lives of the four Flattery sisters, who were orphaned in childhood and have since led disparate lives. When the eldest sister, Olwen, a geologist, mysteriously disappears, the remaining sisters reunite in the Irish countryside to find her.
As they search for Olwen, they confront their shared past and the uncertainties of their future, all while navigating themes of environmentalism, displacement, and mental health. Hughes’ narrative is rich with wit, warmth, and unexpected hope, making it a perfect read for the reflective end-of-year season.