A Song for Issy Bradley

About the book

SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD

I cannot remember when a novel has seduced me so completelyit feels as if a trusted old friend is telling you the story, that the characters are people you know The Times

A terrific book . . . I loved A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY. Its wry, smart, human, and rather miraculously, avoids mawkishness. And, ultimately, its moving and comforting in a way that makes sense even to the agnostic'. Nick Hornby, The Believer

This is the story of what happens when Issy Bradley dies.

It is the story of Ian - husband, father, maths teacher and Mormon bishop - and his unshakeable belief that everything will turn out all right if he can only endure to the end, like the pioneers did. It is the story of his wife Claires lonely wait for a sign from God and her desperate need for life to pause while she comes to terms with what's happened.

It is the story of the agony and hope of Zippy Bradleys first love. The story of Alma Bradleys cynicism and reluctant bravery. And it is the story of seven-year-old Jacob. His faith is bigger than a mustard seed, probably bigger than a toffee bonbon and hes planning to use it to mend his broken family with a miracle.

Incredibly moving, unexpectedly funny and so sharply observed it will make you feel as if you could pick the woodchip off the bedroom wall, A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY explores the outer reaches of doubt and faith. But mostly its a story about a family trying to work out how to carry on when their world has fallen apart.