Publisher Description

Gifted teenager Maeve Hogan is an outsider in her own family. She is the clever one: studious, hard-working and destined for good things.When her sister has a baby with Big, an abusive small-time criminal, she fears the worst for the child s upbringing. While Maeve's mother is content to go along with the charade of happy families, her brother Cian seems too busy trying to figure out his sexual orientation to care.Frustrated, Maeve decides to take drastic action alone to remedy the situation. But sometimes people can be too clever for their own good. Her plan goes badly array, with disastrous consequences.In the aftermath, Maeve struggles to come to terms with the fallout and the guilt.The Clever One is a bravely written novel which explores the boundaries of love and loyalty, and the lengths we are prepared to go to in protecting them.

Notes

Second novel from this bright new voice in Irish fiction, issue-driven and with a charismatic teenage heroine.

Author Biography

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.

Review

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

Promotional

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY?

Long Description

Gifted teenager Maeve Hogan is an outsider in her own family. She is the clever one: studious, hard-working and destined for good things.When her sister has a baby with Big, an abusive small-time criminal, she fears the worst for the child s upbringing. While Maeve's mother is content to go along with the charade of happy families, her brother Cian seems too busy trying to figure out his sexual orientation to care.Frustrated, Maeve decides to take drastic action alone to remedy the situation. But sometimes people can be too clever for their own good. Her plan goes badly array, with disastrous consequences.In the aftermath, Maeve struggles to come to terms with the fallout and the guilt.The Clever One is a bravely written novel which explores the boundaries of love and loyalty, and the lengths we are prepared to go to in protecting them.

Review Quote

'This book is so gripping and well-written, we'd highly recommend it, not just as teen fiction.'

Promotional "Headline"

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY?

Description for Sales People

Second novel from one of the brightest new voices in Irish fiction

Details