One ordinary morning, Norah walked out of her house on Willoughby Street and never looked back. Six years later, she returns to the home she walked away from only to find another woman in her place. Fay held Norah’s family together after she disappeared, she shares a bed with Norah’s husband and Norah’s youngest daughter calls Fay ‘Mummy’.
Now that Norah has returned, everyone has questions. Where has she been? Why did she leave? And why is she back? As each member of the family tries to find the answers they each need, they must also face up to the most pressing question of all – what happens to The Mother Who Stayed when The Mother Who Left comes back?
From the author of What Milo Saw, comes this powerful, emotional and perceptive novel about what it takes to hold a family together and what you’re willing to sacrifice for the ones you love.
"An astonishingly brilliant novel" Australian Women's Weekly
"Beautifully written and thought-provoking, this is a brilliant read" The Sun
"The Astonishing Return of Norah Wells marks the triumphant return of Virginia Macgregor, author of What Milo Saw. And in this, her second offering, Macgregor affirms her place at the forefront of contemporary fiction, with a novel so engaging and powerful you’ll want to read it in one gluttonous sitting" Kate Whiting, Press Association
"Such a deeply satisfying doorstop of a novel" Sarra Manning, Red Magazine
"Coupled with a compelling plot, the psychological journeys of the characters are the true beauty of this novel and ensure its unputdownability" For Books' Sake
"Emotional and powerful family drama" Heat Magazine
"Powerful stuff" Fabulous Magazine
"Two years after making her staggering debut with What Milo Saw, which was lauded by critics as witty, warm and wise, the British author is back with another insightful look at modern family life . . . Layered and lyrical, suffice to say, Norah Wells isn't the only one making an Astonishing Return this week." Irish Independent
"An emotional family story, set in a quirky world and written with plenty of heart." Sunday Mirror
"I couldn't put this insightful, compelling novel down." Fanny Blake, Woman & Home
"'One to watch...a touching look at the meaning of motherhood." Good Housekeeping