Make Yourself At Home By Ciara Geraghty

‘Make Yourself At Home’ is the latest book by Ciara Geraghty.

Marianne left home when she was fifteen following a family tragedy, one that changed all their lives. She never planned to return. But when her carefully controlled life falls apart, she has no choice but to return to Ancaire, the ramshackle house overlooking the Irish Sea, where her mother, Rita, a flamboyant artist and recovering alcoholic still lives. As her mother invites her to pull up a chair and make herself at home, alongside the friends, family and neighbours who wander its rooms. Marianne discovers that sometimes home isn’t a house, it’s a place in your heart.

Ciara Geraghty is back with another Irish turbulent rollercoaster of a story about addiction, dysfunctional families and new beginnings.

The story is seen through the narrative of Marianne, a professional accountant who’s marriage has broken down and her addiction to shoplifting has been exposed. She’s now back living with her mother Rita, her grumpy Aunt Pearl and her foster brother Patrick, a brooding character, who’s quietness annoys Marianne.

Rita is a recovering alcoholic and is using her own battle to help others with her ‘Get Well Soon’ which others face their own addiction. The group is mish mash of colourful characters all complex and troubled in their own way and fighting their demons. Shirley is fiercely outspoken and protective of her 2 boys, Ethel an elderly woman lives with the guilt of alcoholism, whilst Bartholomew and Freddy are eternally sniping and flirting with each other.

The story flows at an interesting pace as Marianne adjusts to being back home and revisiting old memories and less happier times. Her relationship with Rita is turbulent as she remembers her mother as a drunk and not the kind soul who is now always trying to help others. As the story progresses, we see the relationship strengthen as both women become support for each other and Marianne forms an unlikely friendship with the ‘Get Well Soon’ group. We also see Marianne deal with the unexpected as she had spent most of her life in control and this makes for interesting reading as she has to step out of her comfort zone.

Filled with Irish wit and charm and plethora of personalities that made for laugh out loud and emotional reading, the latest book by Ciara is a real page turner and heartwarming story.

Beautifully written, ‘Make Yourself At Home’ is a sentimental and tender story filled with relatable characters, about family upheaval, heartbreak and the fear of letting go.

You can buy ‘Make Yourself At Home’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.