Ripples on the Lake by
Mel O’Dea

In this hauntingly lyrical and brutally honest novel, John’s story unfolds from the sun-dappled shores of rural Ireland to London’s unforgiving streets like a bittersweet poem. With prose that dances between raw beauty and stark reality, the narrative delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the delicate balance between violence and tenderness, despair and hope. As John grapples with first love, addiction, and a descent into football hooliganism, the author masterfully navigates the complexities of trauma and alienation. Each page resonates with profound insights into the human condition, revealing universal truths through one man’s deeply personal odyssey.