The Alternatives: A Novel By Caoilinn Hughes

"The Alternatives" by Hughes is a bold, beautiful, and complex novel that has garnered high praise from critics and authors alike. Described by the New York Times Book Review as an eagerly anticipated read, the novel is a testament to Hughes' unstoppable literary force. Hernan Diaz lauds it as a tale about sisterhood, a novel rich with ideas, a chronicle of human folly, and a requiem for our species, all written in prose brimming with intelligence, compassion, and beauty.

The story follows the four brilliant Flattery sisters, orphaned in childhood by tragic circumstances and now in their thirties. All single and each with a PhD, the sisters strive to lead meaningful lives in a rapidly deteriorating world. Their lives are disparate and distanced, spanning classrooms in Connecticut to catering gigs in London's Notting Hill. Their tenuous balance is shattered when the eldest sister, a geologist burdened by her knowledge of the planet's bleak future, mysteriously vanishes.

The remaining sisters reunite in the Irish countryside, seeking their lost sibling who does not wish to be found. Sheltered in a decaying bungalow, they delve into their shared past, confronting old wounds and the uncertainty of their futures. Hughes weaves a warm, fiercely witty, and unexpectedly hopeful narrative, creating an unforgettable portrait of a family on the edge. "The Alternatives" stands out as a powerful exploration of familial bonds and the human spirit, showcasing Hughes as one of Ireland’s most gifted storytellers. 📚❤️