An illuminating, amusing, beautifully written meditation on relationships.

Frank and Joan's marriage is in trouble. Having spent thirty years failing to understand each other, Joan's frustrations have finally reached boiling point. But it's Christmas, and their three children are coming home for the holiday. So Joan determines to make things work.

With the Christmas tree up, plates of mince pies artfully arranged and the obligatory poinsettia in situ, the stage is set for a traditional family Christmas. If only this family were up to the challenge.

Told with wit, understanding and disarming honesty, this is a novel about the thorniness of family love and its capacity to endure.