A review by jmatkinson1
Turning for Home by Barney Norris

4.0

Every year the family descends on the 'big house' to celebrate Robert's birthday. This year both Robert and his granddaughter Kate have more cause than usual to reflect. For Robert, having recently lost his wife, actions from the past re-surface. He was involved in the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the release of the 'Boston Tapes' means that old allies are coming out of the woodwork. Meanwhile Kate has her own demons to conquer, after an accident that robbed her of her love she has suffered from anorexia and is now drifting through life working in a call centre. Both use the opportunity afforded by the party to reflect and for both there is the chance to move on.

This is a short book but rather than being sparely written, it feels detailed. This is a difficult thing to achieve and the quality of the prose is exceptional. Norris is sympathetic to Kate and the reader feels elated that she finds some peace. The handling of the sections about the Troubles are deft and factual. This is a terrific book from a writer to watch