I've always been 'the clever one'. So clever that I got 10 As in my Junior Cert. So clever that everyone knows I'm destined for great things. But my family chooses to ignore how clever I am when I tell them that all this is going to end badly.
'This' being my sister Fiona's announcement that she is having a baby (father: Big; occupation: shady scumbag). At first, I swore I wouldn't help her. After all, if she wants to be a pramface, that's her problem. But I didn't realise how much I'd love baby Harvey, and want to do everything in my power to protect him.
Mam is doing her usual act of pretending everything's fine. My brother Cian is in a world of his own. My shiny happy best friend Mark thinks I should stay out of it.
But I can't. So I try to figure out a way to get Big out of our lives for good. And once my plan is in motion, I can't go back. No matter how much I sometimes want to.

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY?

About the Author
Helena Close was born in Cork in 1959 but moved to Limerick at the age of five. She attended UCG where she studied English and Sociology and has worked in a variety of jobs while rearing her four children. She has been writing full time for the past eight years and has co written four books with her best friend Trisha Rainsford. Her own first novel, Pinhead Duffy, was published in 2005. The Cut of Love, her second novel, was published in 2009. She has recently moved to the wilds of Liscannor, Co. Clare, much to her and her husband`s delight and her children`s disgust! She is an avid sports fan and a huge Munster and Liverpool supporter. When she`s not writing she likes to run, swim, work out in the gym and drink good coffee.

Reviews

'Bravely written, raw, funny, at times politically incorrect but always captivating, The Clever One explores the boundaries of love, loyalty, family ties and the lengths we're prepared to go to in protecting them.
In Maeve, Helena Close has not only created an extraordinary heroine but also a credible one. An impressive, relevant and entertaining read.'

* Irish Independent *
Praise for Helena Close * : *
A remarkable book that expands the frontiers of Irish popular fiction * Irish Times *
A fantastic book, both heart-wrenching and rewarding at the same time * RTE Guide *
A realistic, painful story that has moments of great tenderness * Irish Independent *
'This book is so gripping and well-written, we'd highly recommend it, not just as teen fiction.' * U Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9780340920206
Author Helena Close
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Hachette Books Ireland
Publisher Hachette Books Ireland
Weight(grams) 224g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 21mm