Description

Book Synopsis

Constance Keating has lived a life of internal exile, alienated from her family and from Ireland.
Now she has returned to her family home to die. While that painful, messy process takes place she replays, like a home movie, the fragments of her past. And, as the festooned Christmas tree awaits its day, so Constance also waits, hoping her child''s father will come and that the final outcome will be on her terms.



Trade Review
It is difficult to convey the marvellous quality of this book. Constance Keating is a major fictional portrait, her death finally noble -- Martyn Goff * Daily Telegraph *
The ending brings more than a lump to the throat. It is magnificent * Daily Express *
She is a skilful writer, using short flashbacks... in such a way that each page widens the picture. You start with a solitary woman, dying alone; you finish with a past, a history, great tenderness and no sentimentality -- Caroline Moorhead * Spectator *
A most distinguished novel * Irish Press *

The Christmas Tree

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Jennifer Johnston

    £10.44

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm on Saturday for delivery by Thu 19 Nov 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Headline Publishing Group
      Published 7 October 1999
      ISBN-13 9780747262589
      978-0747262589
      ISBN-10 0747262586

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Constance Keating has lived a life of internal exile, alienated from her family and from Ireland.
      Now she has returned to her family home to die. While that painful, messy process takes place she replays, like a home movie, the fragments of her past. And, as the festooned Christmas tree awaits its day, so Constance also waits, hoping her child''s father will come and that the final outcome will be on her terms.



      Trade Review
      It is difficult to convey the marvellous quality of this book. Constance Keating is a major fictional portrait, her death finally noble -- Martyn Goff * Daily Telegraph *
      The ending brings more than a lump to the throat. It is magnificent * Daily Express *
      She is a skilful writer, using short flashbacks... in such a way that each page widens the picture. You start with a solitary woman, dying alone; you finish with a past, a history, great tenderness and no sentimentality -- Caroline Moorhead * Spectator *
      A most distinguished novel * Irish Press *

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