Common Decency

From the author of the critically acclaimed Tennis Lessons comes a dark, intimate story of grief, obsession, and how we can never truly know what happens behind closed doors.

The lives of a bereaved young woman and her neighbour, who is consumed by her affair with a married man, entwine in this dark, compelling and compassionate coming-of-age novel.

A poignant, deft portrayal of love, obsession and grief — STYLIST

Susannah Dickey is a phenomenal talent and I loved this novel. — ELIZABETH DAY

I loved Common Decency . . . such a propulsive joy to read too. — MEGAN NOLAN

From the critically acclaimed author of Tennis Lessons

In an apartment building in Belfast, two women wrestle with the sorrows and spectres of love and loss.

Since her mother's death, Lily has withdrawn from the world, trapped between grief and anger. She has to break out of this damaging cycle — but how?

Upstairs, Siobhan is consumed by her affair with a married man. Her days revolve around his sporadic texts and rare visits. She barely notices the strange girl who lives below and dawdles in the foyer.

But Lily is keeping a close eye on her neighbour, whose life seems so much better and more fulfilling than her own. When resentment evolves into something darker and more urgent, she decides to teach Siobhan a lesson...

Sharp as tacks, extremely funny and deeply moving. This novel is very good company. — JAN CARSON