Common Decency

Elizabeth Day’s Book of the Year * Daily Mail, Best Books of 2022 *
[A] treat … vividly compelling … a rare talent, and certainly one to watch * Sunday Times *
A vivid and beautifully written novel that confirms [Dickey] as one of literature’s major new talents … its quiet despair is genuinely affecting * Observer *
Common Decency is a study of alienation and connection, of love and grief, written by an author who truly cares about language and understands its power from within. Susannah Dickey is a phenomenal talent and I loved this novel. * Elizabeth Day *
I loved Common Decency, a perfectly judged glimpse at two variations of loneliness and how they inform and relate to one another. Such a surprising, clever, sad and strange book which I am still thinking about long after finishing - and yet such a propulsive joy to read too. * Megan Nolan *
Susannah Dickey has an uncanny ability to get right to the dark heart of her characters, blending acidic observation with a generous side of kindness. Common Decency is sharp as tacks, extremely funny and deeply moving. This novel is very good company.’ * Jan Carson *
With hints of Fleabag, Ottessa Moshfegh and Sally Rooney, it’s strong, compelling and occasionally very funny stuff…seriously readable * Daily Mail *
Quite simply, one of the funniest and most insightful novelists writing today. Her turn of phrase, ear for dialogue, wry humour and power of observation is masterful. * Nell Frizzell *
A poignant, deft portrayal of love, obsession and grief * Stylist *
Rich and absorbing … a writer coming into her own, assured in what it is she is trying to do… thrilling and engaging. We are carried along by the prose; we trust it knows where it’s going. * Irish Times *

Susannah Dickey grew up in Derry and now lives in London. She is the author of two poetry pamphlets, I had some very slight concerns (2017) and genuine human values (2018). Her poetry has been published in Ambit, The White Review, Poetry Ireland Review and Magma, amongst others. In 2018 she was shortlisted for The White Review short story prize, and in 2017 she was the winner of the inaugural Verve Poetry Festival competition. Her debut novel, Tennis Lessons, was published in July 2020.

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