I’ve always been ‘the clever one’. So clever that I got 10 As in my Junior Cert. So clever that everyone knows I’m destined for great things. But my family chooses to ignore how clever I am when I tell them that all this is going to end badly.
‘This’ being my sister Fiona’s announcement that she is having a baby (father: Big; occupation: shady scumbag). At first, I swore I wouldn’t help her. After all, if she wants to be a pramface, that’s her problem. But I didn’t realise how much I’d love baby Harvey, and want to do everything in my power to protect him.
Mam is doing her usual act of pretending everything’s fine. My brother Cian is in a world of his own. My shiny happy best friend Mark thinks I should stay out of it.
But I can’t. So I try to figure out a way to get Big out of our lives for good. And once my plan is in motion, I can’t go back. No matter how much I sometimes want to.
‘This’ being my sister Fiona’s announcement that she is having a baby (father: Big; occupation: shady scumbag). At first, I swore I wouldn’t help her. After all, if she wants to be a pramface, that’s her problem. But I didn’t realise how much I’d love baby Harvey, and want to do everything in my power to protect him.
Mam is doing her usual act of pretending everything’s fine. My brother Cian is in a world of his own. My shiny happy best friend Mark thinks I should stay out of it.
But I can’t. So I try to figure out a way to get Big out of our lives for good. And once my plan is in motion, I can’t go back. No matter how much I sometimes want to.
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Reviews
'Bravely written, raw, funny, at times politically incorrect but always captivating, The Clever One explores the boundaries of love, loyalty, family ties and the lengths we're prepared to go to in protecting them.
In Maeve, Helena Close has not only created an extraordinary heroine but also a credible one. An impressive, relevant and entertaining read.'
Praise for Helena Close
A remarkable book that expands the frontiers of Irish popular fiction
A fantastic book, both heart-wrenching and rewarding at the same time
A realistic, painful story that has moments of great tenderness
'This book is so gripping and well-written, we'd highly recommend it, not just as teen fiction.'