This family of things

By Alison Jameson

Subjects: Fiction, Brothers and sisters, Friendship

Description: On the day Midge Connors comes hurtling into Bird Keegan's life, she flings open his small quiet world. He and his sisters, Oliver and Margaret have lived in the same isolated community all their lives, each one more alone than the others can know. Taking in damaged, sharp-edged Midge, Bird invites the scorn of his neighbours and siblings. And as they slowly mend each other, family bonds - and the tie of the land - begin to weigh down on their tentative relationship. Can it survive the misunderstandings, contempt and violence of others? This family of things is poignant and powerful study of the emotional lives of three siblings and the girl who breaks through their solitude.