Such is the wrath of the mothers, such is the cry of the mothers, such is the lamentation of the mothers.

Ageing Dilly Macready lies in her hospital bed in Dublin, awaiting a final visit from her estranged daughter, Eleanora, an author who fled rural Ireland years before, after her sensual first novel caused a local scandal. Through memories and journals, both mother and daughter find themselves reliving the strains, disagreements, expectations and disappointments of their complicated relationship, ultimately finding that their enduring connection remains powerful and true.

This is a late novel by O'Brien at the height of her powers, in which she delves deep into the beautiful but intense relationship that exists between mothers and daughters.