The sensitivity and humanity Katy Regan approaches Stevie is just everything. Katy of course extends humanity to the plot and characters of this novel - the realistic situation of a parent disowning a child; a father no longer providing support after granting so much during Stevie's struggle to adapt to life after prison.
Emily's obsession with finding her brother became the basis of her life - working for London's housing department, desperately searching for her brother among the desperate homeless. One day she hears his voice - Emily just misses him but goes out searching later that night to find Stevie drunk, claiming he does not have a sister.
This family is so dysfunctional - laid out a delicate narrative exploring the sibling connection and dependence of Stevie and Emily in their youth, leading up to Stevie's arrest.
We are all one decision away from Stevie's experience - a delicate balance we try to maintain, grant ourselves and children a healthy family and future. Very well done.