Common Decency: A dark, intimate novel of love, grief and obsession (Paperback) - Susannah Dickey

The lives of a bereaved young woman and her neighbour who is consumed by her affair with a married man entwine in this dark, compelling and compassionate coming-of age novel.

'A poignant, deft portrayal of love, obsession and grief' STYLIST

'Susannah Dickey is a phenomenal talent and I loved this novel.' ELIZABETH DAY

'I loved Common Decency . . . such a propulsive joy to read too.' MEGAN NOLAN


FROM THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF TENNIS LESSONS


In an apartment building in Belfast, two women wrestle with the sorrows and spectres of love and loss.

Since her mother's death, Lily has withdrawn from the world, trapped between grief and anger. She has to break out of this damaging cycle - but how?

Upstairs, Siobhan is consumed by her affair with a married man. Her days revolve around his sporadic texts and rare visits. She barely notices the strange girl who lives below and dawdles in the foyer.

But Lily is keeping a close eye on her neighbour, whose life seems so much better and more fulfilling than her own. When resentment evolves into something darker and more urgent, she decides to teach Siobhan a lesson...


'Sharp as tacks, extremely funny and deeply moving. This novel is very good company.' JAN CARSON

About the Author

Susannah Dickey grew up in Derry and now lives in London. She is the author of two poetry pamphlets, I had some very slight concerns (2017) and genuine human values (2018). Her poetry has been published in Ambit, The White Review, Poetry Ireland Review and Magma, amongst others. In 2018 she was shortlisted for The White Review short story prize, and in 2017 she was the winner of the inaugural Verve Poetry Festival competition. Her debut novel, Tennis Lessons, was published in July 2020.