Mam's

Mam's voice travels over the tarmacadam ribbon, across the road and up the lane into Hollie's Plant Hire company.

Where's Me Dinner Woman? James Claffey 2011

The top of the piano was filled with Mam's Waterford crystal vases and bowls, the most breakable ones at the back, nearest the wall.

four-leafed clover James Claffey 2012

The lid rattles on the stovetop, popping sounds, the way the dried mushroom would fold into the brown liquid, the flawless texture of Mam's creamy soup, the way the floor sparkles from the daily cleaning she gives it, the dazzling lid catching the kitchen light perfectly.

two for a new year James Claffey 2012

I often stole out at night wearing a pink nylon leotard and a walnut-colored wig from Mam's closet.

four-leafed clover James Claffey 2012

All our neighbors had watched Mam's belly grow over the winter, and a line of visitors bearing stews and fruitcakes, jams and pies, made its steady way to our door.

four-leafed clover James Claffey 2012

By the time the old man woke up again the lights of the city would be a faint glow to the east and Mam's sarcastic streak would show itself in her derision of the old man's condition.

three for the christmas James Claffey 2011

The flap of skin that tore away dripped like a melting ice-pop on a scorching summer day, the red pinking into round carnations like the ones in Mam's flowerbeds.

two for a new year James Claffey 2012

From downstairs the smell of barbecued chicken shimmied through the rungs of the banisters, Mam's industry audible from afar.

dublin on a wet day James Claffey 2011

Mam's laquered nails shone in the hallway, the same pierced shade as her lips.

four-leafed clover James Claffey 2012

How the family copes with Mam's Alzheimer's doesn't sound like a barrel of laughs but, in between the truly dreadful visits to the mental asylum, he remembers happier times – Aunty Myra, for instance, coming home from India and presenting the Bennetts with a Buddha.

Sue Arnold's audiobook choice – reviews Sue Arnold 2010