THE ALTERNATIVES
by Caoilinn Hughes (Oneworld, $36.99)
Four Irish sisters in their 30s: Olwen, Rhona, Maeve and Nell. Four very bright sisters – each has a PhD (one honorary). All have succeeded – Olwen is a geologist, Maeve a celebrated chef, Rhona a high-flying academic with a specialist knowledge of citizens’ assemblies, Nell a professor of philosophy. But they are also four damaged sisters