Family Drama

Actress and mother, Susan Bliss is torn between two lives. Her husband Alcott has decided only one will be remembered.

'A magnificent debut' CLARE LESLIE HALL, author of BROKEN COUNTRY
'Bruisingly gorgeous' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE, author of THE MERCIES
'A truly sublime novel' HANNAH BEER, author of I MAKE MY OWN FUN
'Delivers heartache, euphoria and the unfathomable puzzle of family with singular brilliance' SIERRA GREER, author of ANNIE BOT

It’s the 1990s.
Susan Bliss is trying to make it all work. In L.A., she’s a burgeoning star with big hair and tight jeans, smouldering on the nation’s favourite TV drama. But in quiet New England, she’s wife to a history professor and raising two young twins, trying to keep the family on track. What she doesn't know is that there isn't enough time to do it all.

It’s the 2000s.
Viola and Sebastian can barely remember the woman who raised them, and their father has never acknowledged her fame.

But the past can’t stay hidden forever, and as the teenaged twins pursue the secrets Susan left behind, they spin off in different directions. Sebastian plunges down an investigative rabbit hole. And Viola falls for the movie star Orson Grey, who was once her mother's co-star.

A novel about obsession and ambition, about love and the myths we create for each other. Everyone has their family secrets, but what happens when you aren't there to tell your story?