01
Why it matters
McBride’s syntax places readers inside consciousness before experience becomes orderly narrative.
Opening the archive

2014 selection · Literary fiction
A young Irish woman addresses the brother whose brain tumor shapes their family. Fragmented language follows her through religious pressure, violence, defiance, and grief.
01
McBride’s syntax places readers inside consciousness before experience becomes orderly narrative.
02
You can handle formally demanding and emotionally severe fiction.
03
Get or borrow
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Editorial selections are independent.
Further reading
Independent reviews and criticism from established publications. Links open at the original outlet.
Primary record
Every inclusion traces back to the organization that made the selection.
Women’s Prize for Fiction — official winner recordOfficial record↗ (opens in a new tab)NPR Books We Love — official recommendation recordOfficial record↗ (opens in a new tab)NPR Books We Love — official recordOfficial record↗ (opens in a new tab)