Mary Costello's acclaimed debut – shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award - traces the arc of a quiet woman's life: from Tess Lohan's childhood in 1940s rural Ireland through to her emigration to America and a career as a nurse in New York.

Resolute in her decision to raise her son alone, Tess vows never to explain herself to anyone again.


Read by Niamh Cusack

Written by Mary Costello

Abridged by Kirsteen Cameron

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron Show less