My Phantoms

By: Gwendoline Riley

Narrated by: Helen McAlpine

Helen Grant is a mystery to her daughter. An extrovert with few friends who has sought intimacy in the wrong places; a twice-divorced mother-of-two now living alone surrounded by her memories, Helen (known to her acquaintances as 'Hen') has always haunted Bridget.

Now, Bridget is an academic in her forties. She sees Helen once a year, and considers the problem to be contained. As she looks back on their tumultuous relationship - the performances and small deceptions - she tries to reckon with the cruelties inflicted on both sides. But when Helen makes it clear that she wants more, it seems an old struggle will have to be replayed.

From the prize-winning author of First Love, My Phantoms is a bold, heart-stopping portrayal of a failed familial bond, which brings humour, subtlety and new life to the difficult terrain of mothers and daughters.

©2021 Gwendoline Riley (P)2021 Gwendoline Riley

Highly recommended if you like introspective stories

The narration was superb! The nuances in the voice of Hen’s little remarks really made her come alive for me.

The writing is very delicate, paints a vivid picture of entangled family relationships from just a few details. It is subtly heart-wrenching. It’s a great outlet for processing our own relationships with parents.