An ordinary woman: an extraordinary life In 1979 Helen returns from Algeria to a much-changed UK, where she must juggle sole parenthood with the demands of a successful career. Her life unravels when her older son develops acute leukaemia and his devastated brother spirals into depression and addiction. For a decade Helen battles to keep her family, and herself, together. Unable to save her sons, can she now save herself? “Takes us on a devastating yet inspiring journey through the loss of her sons just a few years apart. Writing with searing insight and exceptional beauty, Helen Bouchami reveals how grief gave way to the transformative, healing power of love, and ultimately, to a new sense of meaning in life.”  Joelle Fraser, author of The Territory of Men and The Forest House