Each and Every One by Rachael English

"Your family are always there for you...aren't they?

For Tara, Vee, Niall and Damian, the children of the Shine family, their parents have seen them through thick and thin. In fact, Gus and Joan's lifetime of hard work has given their children the luxuries they never had when they were growing up - a comfortable home in a leafy Dublin neighbourhood, gap years that never seem to end and an open chequebook for life's little emergencies. Unfortunately, although the children have grown up, they have got a little too comfortable with the well-feathered nest: now it's time to learn a few home truths.

When a twist of fate means the bank of Mum and Dad can no longer bail out the younger generation, suddenly the whole family must find out who they really are - but sometimes the truth isn't easy to face. Uncovering the secrets they all hide will show them a different side to the city they call home and mean finding allies in the most unlikely places.

Warm, wise and witty, Each and Every One is a novel about the lessons we learn in life - and the ones we never do."

 

Each & Every One is a fabulously unique idea and extremely well delivered by Rachael English.  There is a huge amount of storyline packed into this book, and each and every one of the characters goes on a life-changing journey in modern day recession-hit Ireland. 

Each & Every One is full of both warmth and sadness, and there are some great interactions between siblings and parents.  I also particularly enjoyed Tara's relationship with Ben (and Carmel & Jenelle), which added a further dimension to the story. 

I personally did not see the twist coming, which brings further turmoil to the Shine family.  Although I have to admit, my mum (who has also read the book) did guess it.

This book cannot be described as chick-lit but is true fiction, packed full of emotion, love and strength with a full cast of wonderful characters and a life lesson to deliver to each & every one of us.  People believe that money can buy you happiness, but can it?