After her mother died, the responsibility of looking after her younger brother, sister and drunkard of a father falls on fifteen-year-old Shell. They live in an Irish village in a farmhouse. Her mother's death has caused her father to drink even more than he did before and this habit is expensive and must be paid for. As a result of this he goes out daily to make his 'collections'. These donations are meant for the church; however they do not always make it from hand to hand.

Life is difficult for Shell and she turns to an older boy for support. They begin an unknown relationship spent mostly hidden in a barley field where he takes advantage of Shell. Dilemma – Shell becomes pregnant. Without her mother to confide in, Shell hides her pregnancy from everyone, using a book to prepare her for what is to happen.

This is a smashing book and utterly moving; involving scandals with dead babies and church money. I think it has a good plot however the read is a bit jerky and boring in places. I rate this 4/10. Overall I was not very impressed with the quality of writing and it leaves me pondering “how did that get on the shortlist?”.