Melanie Murphy crée des récits édifiants ancrés dans un réalisme magique chaleureux, présentant souvent des personnages inoubliables et des explorations de vies parallèles. Son écriture explore les liens familiaux et les nuances de l'expérience humaine avec une voix distinctive et captivante. Au-delà de la fiction, Murphy propose des essais perspicaces, abordant des leçons de vie et des questions sociales importantes avec des observations franches. Son œuvre résonne par son mélange de narration imaginative et de commentaires réfléchis.
Mia Rossi's deep connection to the ocean becomes undeniable when her family relocates to Long Beach, Long Island. In this coastal town, she encounters Claire Benicek, whose presence significantly impacts Mia's journey. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery and the transformative power of relationships against the backdrop of the sea, highlighting how the ocean not only shapes Mia's identity but also her connection with others.
Erin is about to turn thirty and her life is definitely not where she thought it would be. She hates her job, she's jealous of her perfect flatmate and she has just called off her wedding. She's trying (sort of) to make a fresh start and get things 'on track' finally, but where to begin? A trip home to Ireland to celebrate her birthday with her beloved grandmother is a welcome distraction, but what she's not prepared for is the gift she receives: a secret family heirloom that will change everything. There are so many questions that have been keeping Erin from moving forward. Should she have married Dan? Would she be happier if she lost weight? Was turning down her dream job the giant mistake she's always feared it was? And now she might have a way to find the answers, and a clear path to the life she's always dreamed of. But as Erin gets caught up in one 'if only' after another, is she missing out on all the things her real, present-day life is offering her? If Only, the wonderful debut novel by Melanie Murphy is full of heart, humour, second chances, and a sprinkle of magic.