Relative Strangers — Emma Neale

Moving, acutely observed and psychologically deep, this fine novel captures and illuminates past and contemporary relationships. Colin should have the house to himself this Christmas. His flatmates are away and so is his girlfriend, who has gone on holiday without admitting the chill in their relationship. So who is the distraught woman in his lounge, along with a pushchair and screaming baby?Like it or not, Colin must play host to this intriguing, uninvited guest, whose revelations begin to work loose his own tightly guarded secrets.