First published 2004
Juliet Judd steps out of an upstate New York prison after serving time for theft she might not have done. Her parents wait in England while her brother Charlie flies to collect her and help her adjust. Charlie has his own problems. His girlfriend is pregnant and he feels unsure about becoming a father. Their youngest sister Sophie tries to fix her messy life. The Judds came from London but now live scattered across continents. They must come together and deal with years of anger, confusion, and shame. Juliet bears scars from being the family outcast. Each person feels torn about the reunion and haunted by moral questions that split them apart. The five Judds work through these problems and slowly reconnect, learning that family love survives even when it feels strange and difficult.
Genres: literary-fiction, contemporary, relationships, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, second-chance
Setting: England, New York
Period: contemporary
Paperback · McArthur & Company