Ruth is a woman who believes in and despairs of the curative power of love. Her daughter, Eleanor, who is addicted to drugs, has just had a baby, Lily. Ruth adjusts herself in ways large and small to give to Eleanor what she thinks she may need—nourishment, distance, affection—but all her gifts fall short. After someone dies of an overdose in Eleanor’s apartment, Ruth hands her daughter an envelope of cash and takes Lily home with her, and Lily, as she grows, proves a compensation for all of Ruth’s past defeats and disappointment.
British author Susie Boyt’s seventh novel, is the first to be published in the United States, so it may be hard to find in a library right away. Her writing style is lyrical and poetic but also witty, sharp, and unsentimental. It took me a bit to get into the rhythm of the writing but it’s not hard to read. It’s one to savour and think about. On the surface there’s a lot about ordinary everyday life, family, friendship and community, but Boyt’s deft descriptions are insightful and far from cliché. Boyt covers the complexities of loving someone who can’t love you back, and conveys how easy it is to feel failure and shame, even when you’re doing your best. The author has created a poignantly humble book about grief, love, parenthood, caregiving, and relationship. The cover art is so perfect for the book.
Joanne's Reading Blog 
You are right–not in my library yet, except as an ebook. I will be on the look-out for this in one of my favorite independent bookstores. I first heard about it from Anne Bogel–either in her newsletter, Modern Mrs Darcy, or on her podcast, What Should I Read Next? Your review reinforces her recommendation.
Ah, thanks for this. I probably heard of it from Anne as well, I was actually trying to remember where it came onto my radar. Thanks!