After Phoenix: The absurdity of family life can conquer all - Softcover

'Martine McDonagh writes simply, sparingly, intelligently and unsentimentally about both big and small things.' - Stephen May, Costa Prize-shortlisted author of Life! Death! Prizes! and Wake Up Happy Every Day. 'Given that the book's subject is grief, it's amazing how vital, entertaining and even funny After Phoenix is, without in any way shortchanging the reality of the experience.' - Caustic Cover Critic 'Despite beginning with a tragedy, this book is never entirely without hope and is a powerful portrait of grief and how time heals. Powerful stuff.' - Annabel's House of Books 'Heart wrenching and life affirming in equal measure, the author has managed to give real insight whilst still being entertaining and making you want to turn the pages - your heart will ache but it will also laugh.' - Lizlovesbooks.com 'After Phoenix is a raw, emotive portrayal of a family pushed to its limits by grief.' - Lizzie Enfield, author of Living With It 'A great read.' - Araminta Hall, author of Everything and Nothing, and Dot

After Phoenix is a tale of grief, love, friendship, marital turmoil and how, at the worst of times, the absurdity of family life is the only thing that can pull you through...

When teenager Phoenix is killed in a motor bike accident, his family is devastated by his death. His mother Katherine's mental health deteriorates and she casts blame upon her journalist husband, JJ.

Grief-stricken, JJ moves into the garden shed and shifts his focus to the upcoming general election.

Meanwhile, their 15-year-old daughter, Penny, struggles to uphold normality in the absence of her parents, while contending with an increasingly troubled best-friendship. It's hard to imagine what might reunite them...