The Way We Are

The Way We Are

Summary

A SPECIAL SHORT STORY FROM THE WINNER OF THE IRISH BOOK AWARD FOR POPULAR FICTION 2015 - A STANDALONE PREQUEL TO THE NO 1 BESTSELLING THE WAY WE WERE

It's Valentine's Day and Alice's house is a sea of elaborate cards and billowing heart-shaped balloons. These gifts are not from her husband, Ben, but from a gaggle of boys madly in love with their fifteen-year-old daughter.

After nearly two decades together, Alice and Ben barely have time for romance. Their roles are clear: Alice is a busy GP who also keeps their home and girls on track. Ben has the more exciting if demanding career as a surgeon.

Much as she knows Ben loves his family, Alice feels he is restless and preoccupied. But what is causing him to neglect her and their daughters?

Then, at a Valentine's dinner with friends, a dramatic revelation causes Alice to see Ben in a new light - and to wonder if they still have a future together. Because it is clear - their family cannot stay the way they are.

Praise for The Way We Were:

'Heartfelt and deeply moving ... I couldn't put it down.' Susan Lewis

'Intriguing and thought provoking ... a great read.' Katie Fforde

'Gripping and thought-provoking - I was desperate to discover how it would pan out!' Paige Toon

About the author

Sinéad Moriarty

Sinéad Moriarty's novels have sold over 900,000 copies in Ireland and the UK. Since the launch of the Irish Book Awards each has been shortlisted in the popular fiction category, with The Way We Were winning in 2015. She won a second IBA for her first YA novel, The New Girl, in 2021. Sinéad lives in her native Dublin with her husband and their three children.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more