Tag: Helena Close

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Review: Things I Know by Helena Close

Things I Know

Helena Close

Little Island, May 2022

Paperback, £8.99

ISBN 9781915071033

Things I Know takes place over a summer in Cloughmore, a town you’d pass through in Clare on the way to the sea. Everything stays the same here. The setting near the seaside in Clare is evocative and wild in a very Irish way, in its portrayal of drinking culture, GAA and chippers.

Saoirse’s friend Jade is a larger than life character who visits occasionally from Limerick where she and her family used to live. Her father has thrown himself into new ventures since the death of her mother. Saoirse feels like everything is wrong, even before the shocking death by suicide of her ex-boyfriend, Finn.

This is a beautifully crafted story, taking us into Saoirse’s mind as she struggles to find something to cling to. Nothing seems to stick; counselling with Malcolm, flirting with Dylan, even hanging out with Jade becomes fractured over the summer months. Saoirse still feels like she’s on the outside. Her sister Eva seems to fit in but things only get more worrying for our protagonist.

Helena Close skews the plague that is social media for young people, feeding the rumour mill in the town. The author never allows the narrative to descend totally into a depressive state, but instead portrays the poignant story of a young woman trying her best. Trying to ignore the relentless waves of toxic friendship and the platitudes being thrown her way by her family, by Dylan and by her counsellor. Something has to give eventually and Helena Close approaches this with sensitivity and poise in her writing. Another engaging read from the writer of the successful The Gone Book.

Derek Carney

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Review: The Gone Book by Helena Close

The Gone Book
Helena Close
Little Island Books, April 2020
Paperback, €9.99
ISBN 9781912417445

The Gone Book forces you to question the consequences of one decision: whether or not to abandon your family; to go on holiday; or to learn to skate. Each decision has a definite, and sometimes catastrophic, ripple effect that echoes in the lives of those close to you.

Matt’s life has drastically changed since his mother left five years ago. In order to process this monumental disruption to his life, he writes letters to his mother in his Gone Book. This journal gives the reader a chronological insight into Matt’s emotions in the days, weeks and years that follow. He keeps the Gone Book secret and hidden, tucked away from prying eyes. Entries to the Gone Book are artfully sprinkled throughout the novel and depict the highs and lows of Matt’s family life, and the consequences of his mother’s decision to leave.

The narrative of this book begins as Matt’s mother suddenly returns to Limerick and causes great upheaval. Helena Close expertly captures the varied effects of both the absence and unexpected return of Matt’s mother on all three siblings, as well as their father. The emotional push and pull of this novel is captivating and it really drew me in. Anger, suffering and violence simmer under the surface in each chapter, but we also feel Matt’s longing to have his mother back permanently. He wishes for stability not just for himself but for his brothers Jamie and Conor. I would highly recommend this book. It’s a chaotic read, full of twists and turns. It is gritty and realistic, and highlights the anguish of an absent parent and the strife of teenage friendships.

Emma Daly, 18