Evenings and Weekends: A Novel By Oisin McKenna

In the heart of a sweltering London summer, Oisn McKenna’s debut novel unfolds over a transformative weekend, blending humor, heartbreak, and vibrant city life. Set in June 2019, Heatwave follows a diverse cast grappling with personal crises amid the backdrop of street parties and sun-soaked parks.

Maggie, 30, pregnant, and broke, is caught between her desire for independence and the looming prospect of returning to her small-town roots. Her boyfriend Ed harbors secrets tied to Maggie’s best friend, Phil, who is navigating his own complicated feelings for housemate Keith, entangled in a relationship that excludes him. Meanwhile, Phil’s mother, Rosaleen, faces her own battle with cancer and a sense of insignificance, seeking connection with her son in the chaos of the city.

As the weekend progresses, tensions simmer, and life-altering revelations emerge, all against the backdrop of a city that pulses with life. McKenna’s writing is a blend of sharp wit and deep emotion, capturing the essence of youthful longing and the complexities of human relationships. With a nod to Sally Rooney and Torrey Peters, Heatwave is a strikingly heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the fierce urgency of living in the moment.