A quiet, lovely book about an older married, Irish couple on vacation in Amsterdam.  Stella, a devout Catholic, is married to Gerry, a nonbeliever and an alcoholic.  Stella, unbeknown to Gerry, has planned their trip so she can investigate a possible option for her future.  While there, Gerry’s drinking problem is revealed and Stella’s religious fervor becomes more apparent.  Knowing her life is nearing the end, Stella is unsure if she should do what would make her happiest or what would make her spouse happiest.

There are few novels written about long lasting marriages, perhaps because authors feel they are without drama.  Bernard MacLaverty proves them wrong!