The Way We Are

A SPECIAL SHORT STORY FROM THE WINNER OF THE IRISH BOOK AWARD FOR POPULAR FICTION 2015 - A STANDALONE PREQUEL TO THE NO 1 BESTSELLING THE WAY WE WERE

It's Valentine's Day and Alice's house is a sea of elaborate cards and billowing heart-shaped balloons. These gifts are not from her husband, Ben, but from a gaggle of boys madly in love with their fifteen-year-old daughter.

After nearly two decades together, Alice and Ben barely have time for romance. Their roles are clear: Alice is a busy GP who also keeps their home and girls on track. Ben has the more exciting if demanding career as a surgeon.

Much as she knows Ben loves his family, Alice feels he is restless and preoccupied. But what is causing him to neglect her and their daughters?

Then, at a Valentine's dinner with friends, a dramatic revelation causes Alice to see Ben in a new light - and to wonder if they still have a future together. Because it is clear - their family cannot stay the way they are.