Virago Modern Classics

FROM THE AUTHOR SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE

''She was . . . marvellous'' GUARDIAN

''Keane''s distinctive blend of elegant savagery and deep affection'' EVENING STANDARD

''I admired many authors. But Molly, I loved'' DIANA ATHILL

Silverue - an enchanting Irish mansion - is owned by one of the most frightening mothers in fiction - the indomitable, oppressively girlish Lady Bird. Blessed with wealth and beautiful children she has little to worry about except the passing of the years and the return of her son John''s sanity. To help her through the potentially awkward occasion of John''s return from the asylum she has enlisted the support of Eliza, a woman she believes to be her confidante. But Eliza has her own secrets and John''s homecoming will prove the catalyst for revelations which Lady Bird would much rather leave buried.