The hardships of everyday life can have a multitude of effects on different people. When four people cross paths without even realising it they manage to completely change each other’s lives. Noel McCready writes about each of their brief encounters and the twists and turns they all face.

The book is set in modern day Belfast, where McCready himself is a teacher. Going through the years from 2006 to 2008 on a month by month basis, McCready details four lives and how they briefly intertwine on different occasions. A first novel from McCready, while he manages to create some of the most insightful characters he also touches on his Irish roots.

While there are amusing anecdotes McCready inserts a greater depth to the book by adding in psychological and even religious references, providing the book with a more detailed context and allowing the reader to relate to each character’s circumstances. The aptly named Hassles and Hope describes the twists and turns that can be encountered by anyone and how each individual reacts.

Don is on the brink of ending it all when he is suddenly stopped by the beautiful Debs who comes to his aid just for the briefest of moments and then the course of his life changes forever. Debs, a counsellor, helps the overbearing Maxim overcome her sex addiction. All the while Rose undergoes unimaginable hardships, but even at her young age she manages to have an effect on each of them without even knowing it.

This is a relatable tale, cleverly pieced together by McCready, who delves into the consequences to each of their actions. There are few novels that can have such an original insight into everyday living. The combination of funny and tragic experiences each character faces highlights the many walks of life that help to deepen our character.