After Phoenix is a tale of grief, love, friendship and how the absurdity of family life can conquer all. When 19-year-old Phoenix dies in a motor bike accident his family is devastated. Katherine, his mother, winds up in the local psychiatric hospital, blaming her husband JJ for their son s death. Bereft at the loss of his son and his wife, JJ moves into the garden shed, leaving their 15-year-old daughter, Penny, to fend for herself. It s hard to imagine what could possibly reunite them Martine McDonagh writes simply, sparingly, intelligently and unsentimentally about both big and small things. - Stephen May, Costa Prize-shortlisted author of "Life! Death! Prizes!" and "Wake Up Happy Every Day." Given that the book s subject is grief, it s amazing how vital, entertaining and even funny "After Phoenix" is, without in any way shortchanging the reality of the experience. Caustic Cover Critic Despite beginning with a tragedy, this book is never entirely without hope and is a powerful portrait of grief and how time heals. Powerful stuff. - Annabel s House of Books Heart wrenching and life affirming in equal measure, the author has managed to give real insight whilst still being entertaining and making you want to turn the pages your heart will ache but it will also laugh. Lizlovesbooks.com '"After Phoenix" is a raw, emotive portrayal of a family pushed to its limits by grief.' - Lizzie Enfield, author of "Living With It" 'A great read.' - Araminta Hall, author of "Everything and Nothing," and "Dot"