Common Decency

The lives of a bereaved young woman and her neighbor, 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. Susannah Dickey is a phenomenal talent, and I loved this novel. I loved Common Decency; it was such a propulsive joy to read too.

In an apartment building in Belfast, two women wrestle with the sorrows and specters 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 Since her mother's death, Lily has withdrawn from the world, trapped between grief and anger.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, Siobhán 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 neighbor, 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 Siobhán a lesson. Sharp as tacks, extremely funny, and deeply moving. This novel is very good company.