David McMaster, a burned out, retired lecturer, returns to Belfast on discovering a cryptic, posthumous note from his friend Roddy, whom he last saw in Northern Ireland 40 years previously. In 1965, David, then a high-flying Oxford graduate, is recruited by Sir John Lockwood to help him look for a site for a new university in Ulster. But what seems like an interesting assignment turns into a tragedy not only for David but also for Catherine, the woman he falls in love with. The sectarian forces which would later tear Northern Ireland apart, are destined to destroy the relationship of the two lovers, with terrible consequences for them both.

'An utterly heart-wrenching novel, but Kelly's fluency and heart give it a delightful humour and grace too. Conjured with compassion and perceptiveness, it's a layered love story with breathtakingly vivid evocations of place and time, and deftly-drawn insights about the political backdrop of the day. I loved every single moment.' Sarah Moore Fitzgerald; 'This kind of writing opens readers' minds and hearts, casts light in the darkest places, and puts a wonderful grammar on things that are not always easily understood. It's a huge achievement.' Donal Ryan; 'This vivid, evocative, beautifully written novel brings to life a Belfast not seen often in fiction. Bravo to Patrick Kelly for this moondance made of words.' Joseph O'Connor

Patrick Kelly was born and brought up in Belfast and now lives in York. He is a freelance journalist and editor, who has contributed to many newspapers and magazines in the UK and Spain, including 'The Guardian', 'Daily Telegraph', 'Independent', 'Independent on Sunday', 'Irish Times', 'Evening Standard', 'New Statesman' and 'The Times'. He has written regularly on the arts for 'Museums Journal', 'Arts Industry' and a number of other publications. He is a graduate of the Creative Writing school at the University of Limerick. This is his first novel.