small_mercies
2024 Nominated

Small Mercies

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

In the summer of 1974 a heatwave blankets Boston and Mary Pat Fennessey is trying to stay one step ahead of the bill collectors. One night Mary Pat’s teenage daughter Jules stays out late and doesn’t come home. That same evening, a young Black man is found dead, struck by a subway train under mysterious circumstances. The two events seem unconnected. But Mary Pat, propelled by a desperate search for her missing daughter, begins turning over stones best left untouched – asking questions that bother Marty Butler, chieftain of the Irish mob, and the men who work for him, men who don’t take kindly to any threat to their business.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Dennis
Lehane

Dennis Lehane is the author of thirteen novels – including the New York Times bestsellers Live by Night; Moonlight Mile; Gone, Baby, Gone; Mystic River; Shutter Island; and The Given Day – as well as Coronado, a collection of short stories and a play. He grew up in Boston, MA and now lives in California with his family.

Dennis Lehane is the author of thirteen novels – including the New York Times bestsellers Live by Night; Moonlight Mile; Gone, Baby, Gone; Mystic River; Shutter Island; and The Given Day – as well as Coronado, a collection of short stories and a play. He grew up in Boston, MA and now lives in California with his family.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

A novel set in the summer of 1974 in a heatwave of Boston (not a timeframe you see a lot of). It’s both gritty and extremely powerful. The blurred lines between good and bad guys and those that are both made it all the more memorable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Date published
25/04/2023
Country
United States
Original Language
English
Author
Publisher
Harper Collins, Little Brown Book Group
Borrow this book from Libraries Ireland

RELATED FEATURES

News November 19 2025

2026 Nominations Revealed

69 titles have been nominated by 80 libraries from 36 countries for the 2026 Award
News November 19 2025

2026 Dublin Literary Award Judges Announced

Meet our judging panel for 2026 Dublin Literary Award
News May 23 2025

2025 Dublin Literary Award Winner Revealed

Discover this year's winner!
Video May 23 2025

2025 Dublin Literary Award Ceremony

2025 Dublin Literary Award Winner Ceremony live from the International Literature Festival Dublin.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.