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The Richard & Judy Bookclub pick from the author of Nothing But Blue Sky, longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, 2021
This is when it begins
Autumn, 2008.
This is where it begins
The coast of Dublin.
This is why it begins
Bruno, an American, has come to Ireland to search for his roots. Addie, an out-of-work architect, is recovering from heartbreak while taking care of her infirm father. When their worlds collide, they experience a connection unlike any they’ve previously felt, but soon their newfound love will be tested in ways they never imagined possible.
This is how it ends . . .
This is when it begins
Autumn, 2008.
This is where it begins
The coast of Dublin.
This is why it begins
Bruno, an American, has come to Ireland to search for his roots. Addie, an out-of-work architect, is recovering from heartbreak while taking care of her infirm father. When their worlds collide, they experience a connection unlike any they’ve previously felt, but soon their newfound love will be tested in ways they never imagined possible.
This is how it ends . . .
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Reviews
This wonderful new author is a force to be reckoned with
. . . crunchingly big finish which packs an undeniable punch
When you have long forgotten many other fictional lovers, there is something about Addie and Bruno, their past and their world, that will not go away
Be warned. MacMahon subtly weaves her readers so tightly into her story that when she rolls out her shattering ending it's best to be alone. Stave off the tears if you can: I was a wreck
Wonderfully written, MacMahon creates characters that will linger long in your mind. Keep the tissues nearby, you will need them
It will leave you a weeping mess just as Em and Dex's story did. It will also leave you feeling utterly bereft to no longer be in its company
This richly poetic first novel combines a strong contemporary feel with a sense of timelessness. MacMahon's prose fizzes from page one. As the title suggests this is a poignant book yet remarkably life-affirming thanks to the sheer quality of MacMahon's writing. Her characterisation is deft and believable. She has perfect control of tone and a gift for piercing metaphor. I predict a glittering future
Summer 2012's One Day, this is a love story with an ominous feel that haunts from page one
Throughout the book, the narrative remains both beautiful and understated - and is perhaps all the more dramatic for it
This is an outstanding debut novel which will linger long in your mind
I found myself relating to every character, charmed into enjoying their world and not wanting it to end
The force of it takes you by stealth until you realise you're swallowing furiously, to keep down the lump in your throat
It has 'future classic' written all over it
Is MacMahon the new Donoghue, capable of winning plaudits from critics and sales from readers eager to see their own lives reflected in fiction?
An exceptional novel . . . It is truly a story for our time
Sometimes you read a book that takes your breath away - this was the book . . . This Is How It Ends grabs you very gently at the beginning and urges you to continue, it wraps you up in its charm and leaves you bereft (in a good way). An emotional rollercoaster of two people thrown together, at a strange time in a less than ordinary way, I defy you not to be moved
This book is as powerful in the early, glorious unfurling of an unexpected, unlooked for love as it is in the build to the gut-wrenching finale
A tender love story. A book about love, family, children and that glorious sense of being alive
An all-consuming love story . . . that can't fail to enchant you
Kathleen MacMahon's prose could not appear more effortless or beautiful . . . The twist in this tale is utterly unexpected and satisfyingly unpredictable . . . A bittersweet novel that will no doubt become a book-club darling
If you enjoyed One Day, you'll love this. Utterly charming and packed with humour, this novel is carried by its characters' charisma. Completely engrossing right up until the unbearably moving conclusion
This is a love story like no other