There's Been a Little Incident

(Hardback)

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'Warm, wry and genuinely funny. Alice Ryan has a great ability to describe the nuances of people.' Marian Keyes A witty and warm debut novel from a young Irish writer. A story of family, grief, and the ways we come together when all seems lost. Molly Black has disappeared. She's been flighty since her parents died, but this time or so says her hastily written note she's gone for good. That's why the whole Black clan from Granny perched on the printer to Killian on Zoom from Sydney is huddled together in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do. Former model Lady V presumes Molly's just off taking drugs and sleeping with strangers which is fine by her. Cousin Anne, tired of living in Molly's shadow, is keeping quiet, and cousin Bobby is distracted by his own issues. But Molly's disappearance is eerily familiar to Uncle John. He is determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises. Praise for There's Been a Little Incident: 'Here is a story that takes on grief in its many insidious guises, and yet this brave, big-hearted novel is full of warmth and wisdom. Clever, funny and an utterly life-enhancing read.' Christine Dwyer Hickey 'Told with great generosity and humour... Absorbing, uplifting and very hopeful.' Sinad Crowley 'A refreshing, hugely entertaining novel with depth and ambition that had me compelled from the off. Alice Ryan is an author I will read forever more.' Anne Griffin

Reviews

Warm, wry and genuinely funny. Alice Ryan has a great ability to describe the nuances of people -- Marian Keyes
Here is a story that takes on grief in its many insidious guises, and yet this brave, big-hearted novel is full of warmth and wisdom. Clever, funny and an utterly life-enhancing read -- Christine Dwyer Hickey
A story told with great generosity and humour... An absorbing, uplifting and very hopeful read -- Sinad Crowley
A refreshing, hugely entertaining novel with depth and ambition that had me compelled from the off. Alice Ryan is an author I will read forever more -- Anne Griffin
Accomplished debut novel... full of such deep existential questions, as well as poignant reflections on loneliness and connection; family and belonging. But it is also remarkably light and humorous. Ryan has a Marian Keyes-esque touch * Business Post *
This warm and very funny look at family relationships and grief is a brilliant read * The Sun *
Alice Ryan's debut novel is an exploration of the binding force of shared grief and personal history * Irish Times *
A heartbreaking, but uplifting read that treats grief, connection and loss with a light, but powerful hand * RT *
A warm and witty family drama... Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one will recognise the non-linear nature of grief, as depicted in this light-hearted, yet empathetic story, full of wit and warmth. This debut deftly conveys the rich tapestry of family dynamics * Sunday Independent *
An exuberant family saga... Ryan writes with a featherlight touch but her message is supremely warm and hopeful * The Gloss *

Author Bio

Alice Ryan grew up in Dublin. After moving to London to study at the LSE, she spent ten years working in the creative industries, holding roles in publishing, film and TV. She was Head of Insight and Planning at BBC Studios before returning to Ireland. She now works at the Arts Council of Ireland and lives in Dublin with her husband Brian and their daughter Kate. Find Alice on Twitter at @Alice_Ryan