Breakdown Author : Cathy Sweeney ISBN-13 : 978-1474618519 Publisher : W&N Guideline Price : £18.99The opening pages of Cathy Sweeney’s debut novel are among the most arresting I have ever read. Drive to work…” and on and on it goes until the day finally ends with: “Finish bottle of wine. READ MOREBreakdown is Sweeney’s debut novel, following the publication of an acclaimed collection of short stories, Modern Times, in 2020. The breakdown of the title refers not only to the woman’s personal breakdown but to the breakdown of society, climate, civilisation that the woman sees around her, which adds a nihilistic undertone. Breakdown is a striking debut from a highly original writer, and a thoroughly modern cautionary tale about the costs of limiting our options, and ourselves, to suffocating roleplay.

Source: The Irish Times January 20, 2024 16:59 UTC