Shortlisted for the 2021 An Post Irish Book Awards
Five people.
Five chances.
One woman's search for happiness.
Allegra Bird's arms are scattered with freckles, a gift from her beloved father. But despite her nickname, Freckles has never been able to join all the dots. So when a stranger tells her that everyone is the average of the five people they spend the most time with, it opens up something deep inside.
The trouble is, Freckles doesn't know if she has five people. And if not, what does that say about her? She's left her unconventional father and her friends behind for a bold new life in Dublin, but she's still an outsider.
Now, in a quest to understand, she must find not one but five people who shape her - and who will determine her future.
Told in Allegra's vivid, original voice, moving from modern Dublin to the fierce Atlantic coast, this is an unforgettable story of human connection, of friendship, and of growing into your own skin.
Praise for Freckles
'An endearing story of human frailty, connection and growth'
Irish Independent
'Everything a greedy reader wants: a moving story, absorbing characters, engaging writing and as much of a page-turner as you'd expect'
Irish Times
'Fresh and timely... asking bolding what and who make us who we are, Freckles manages to team wit and wisdom harmoniously'
Echo
'Fans will adore this heart-warming story about loneliness and connection' Daily Mail
'Funny, thought-provoking and original'
Mirror
'A warm and bittersweet tale about finding yourself through family and friendship'
Sunday Telegraph
'Ahern was born to write and her books to be read by all'
My Weekly
'A beautiful, hopeful book when the world needs hope most... inspiring, life-affirming and full of insight' Cathy Kelly