Ian Douglas Robertson Livres

Hugh Gorman is returning to Ireland after a fifteen-year absence. In his mind, he is going 'home, ' which strikes him as strange, given that he has been living in Australia for two-thirds of his life. Yet, 'going home for him is not just about reliving childhood experiences and the pleasures of youth. It is also mixed up with feelings of guilt and anger. On arrival, he quickly realizes that his brother Rory is at death's door, and he decides to stay to help Joan, their sister, nurse him through his final days. It allows him to make some amends for his past neglect and relieve his feelings of guilt. During these weeks, Hugh also meets an old flame whose spouse, like his, has died. The old passion is re-ignited, and he is faced with the possibility of repeating his past 'shameful' action when he absconded to Australia. However, a long-kept secret is revealed to him that changes everything. It is a story about someone who has lived in 'exile' all his life and has come home to a multitude of ghosts, both living and dead, and his attempts to put them to rest.

The collection features seven poignant stories, each centered on a distinct character who shares the experience of growing up without a father. Through their individual journeys, the narratives explore themes of loss, identity, and resilience, highlighting how the absence of a paternal figure shapes their lives and relationships. Each story offers a unique perspective on the emotional and psychological impact of fatherlessness, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth.

Pericles Pontakis, an investigative journalist, grapples with the fallout of his relentless fight against corruption, facing personal ruin and powerful adversaries. With a strained family life and financial troubles, he shifts focus to a documentary about the endangered Loggerhead turtle, seeking redemption through this seemingly simpler project. As he navigates unexpected challenges, both difficult and rewarding, he strives to salvage his own spirit while advocating for the turtle's survival.

Fo, a successful actress and director, yearns for a child despite her partner Dina's objections. Surrounded by a vibrant circle of friends and family in Athens, Fo grapples with the desire for motherhood when an unexpected father emerges, forcing her to confront a life-altering dilemma.