The primary timeline of Ordinary Human Failings follows the death of a child and the involvement of a working-class family from Waterford, Ireland. Tender and visceral, observant and intentional, Nolan’s novel offers a compelling study of characters who are all just trying to do their best, as well as an insightful interrogation into what it means to be a quote unquote good person. Already receiving rave reviews, Ordinary Human Failings is bound to be one of this summer’s biggest reads.