After a series of rather complicated mystery murders and thrillers, Lucy Dillon was a comfort read.
Two parallel stories for me- one a four year old Nancy exuberant, talkative full of life who one day becomes silent, so surreptitiously that her mother and father have to be told the facts by their elder son a little boy of nine. Patrick and Caitlin are so immersed in their divorce, their own lives and how they are going to live that they do not realise what is happening closer to home. Joel who was always attention seeking now becomes worse and Nancy goes deeper and deeper into her shell.
We then have Eva, Patrick's sister who is roped in as a chaperone and a place where both parents would be comfortable to leave their children. Eva is 45 has been married to a famous actor, recently widowed and childless. How she is going to cope with two children in an immaculate house is something Patrick selfishly does not even think about. Eva despite her doubts how she is going to cope, rallies beautifully. The children and Eva develop strong ties of warmth affection and family and this was wonderful to see.
The selfishness of both Caitlin and Patrick was also apparent and though the end of the story brought them to their senses it indicates how quickly even adults can forget about their responsibilities and duties.
An interesting story, with good characters and a nice setting.
Sent to me by Netgalley for an unbiased review, courtesy of Hodder & Stoughton.
I know quite a few selfish people and it always amazes me. This sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to try this author. Sounds like a nice switch after your recent books!
ReplyDeleteYour review brought back this book to me, I read and enjoyed it last year, must try something else of hers. Loved how Nancy found her voice again.
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