An Irish farmer orders five drinks over the course of a Saturday night, intending to toast a different one of the five key people in his life with each. What ensues is the story of how regrets, feuds, loves and triumphs have left an indelible impression on a life, for readers of Donal Ryan and Maggie O'Farrell.

Anne Griffin's first novel When All is Said was a Number One bestseller in Ireland in 2019 and chosen as the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year in the An Post Irish Book Awards. It was also shortlisted for the John McGahern Annual Book and the RSL Christopher Bland prizes. Her second novel Listening Still was also a bestseller in Ireland. Her work has been published in 23 territories. The Island of Longing is her third novel. She lives in Co. Westmeath, Ireland.