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Going Back
On sale
22nd May 2014
Price: £11.99
Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards, 2013
From Ireland to the USA, a heart-warming story of family, friendships and love, of difficult decisions and lifelong consequences from a well-loved Irish radio personality.
How do you know where you belong?
In June 1988, Elizabeth Kelly’s parents think she belongs at home in Ireland. Her boyfriend is certain of it. Unwilling to settle down just yet, she decides to spend the summer in Boston with her college friends. But the next four months change all of them, especially Elizabeth. Quiet and dutiful at home, she surprises herself and everyone else by falling for Danny Esposito, a restless charmer with a troublesome family.
More than 20 years later with opportunities in Ireland scarce once again, a new generation looks to America, awakening memories of a golden summer for their parents. When a crisis occurs, Elizabeth returns to Boston where she is drawn back into the life she once lived. But will she be able to reconcile the dreams of her 20-year-old self with the woman she has become?
How do you know where you belong?
In June 1988, Elizabeth Kelly’s parents think she belongs at home in Ireland. Her boyfriend is certain of it. Unwilling to settle down just yet, she decides to spend the summer in Boston with her college friends. But the next four months change all of them, especially Elizabeth. Quiet and dutiful at home, she surprises herself and everyone else by falling for Danny Esposito, a restless charmer with a troublesome family.
More than 20 years later with opportunities in Ireland scarce once again, a new generation looks to America, awakening memories of a golden summer for their parents. When a crisis occurs, Elizabeth returns to Boston where she is drawn back into the life she once lived. But will she be able to reconcile the dreams of her 20-year-old self with the woman she has become?
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Reviews
An impressive debut from a skilled novelist who brings a breath of fresh air to the Irish publishing world. English is certainly a force to be reckoned with and may prove to be as formidable a player in the books market as she is in the broadcasting world
A thoroughly enjoyable novel about being young and in love and about life coming full circle. Rachael English paints a vivid portrait of what it was to be Irish in America in the nineteen eighties and what it is to be Irish now. Witty and perceptive, she has a voice that is all her own
An impressive debut
a distinctive new voice in a clever, nuanced debut.
Anyone who has wondered what life might have been like if they'd stayed together with a summer love will be charmed by [Rachael English's] warm, heartfelt debut novel.
Hugely romantic and readable.
Assured and warm-hearted.
English is a great writer and this is a fantastic debut
English is so readable; you will fall into this book as you would a soft settee. Read it and sigh for the enduring beauty of first love.