A gentle, time-spanning story linking London, the atmospheric Northumbrian coast and Northern Ireland’s Troubles, where family secrets and memories link generations.
This is a beautifully written story that spans generations and time periods, blending love, loss, and the lingering impact of the past. The main character, Nita, is haunted by the loss of her first love, and her life never quite fits back together again. The novel moves between Bohemian London, the wild and windswept Northumbrian coastline, and the unrest of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. Each place mirrors Nita’s own inner turmoil and adds depth to her emotional journey.
At its heart, the book is a family mystery that gradually unfolds through different timelines, connecting three generations. It started off slowly for me, but once the story found its rhythm, it became increasingly gripping. Most of the story unfolds through Nita’s artistic eye, the prose often mirrors her creative style, impressionistic, sensitive, and atmospheric .
By the end, the threads of the mystery come together in a satisfying and emotional way, giving Nita, and the reader, a sense of closure. It’s a gentle, thoughtful read that explores how trauma can echo through families. The storyline was perhaps a bit too slow for me to make it a 5* read.
A story of love, loss, cruelty, grief and healing too. Beautifully written yet devistating on the the otherhand. Tissues should be included when you buy this book.
Beautifully written and a love story that on the other hand is so devistating too. The summer of '69 (makes me think of Bryan Adams song). This is a story of love and loss, cruelty by people, grief and ultimately healing too.
The way the past and events shape who we are and how we love and piecing together the jigsaw of the mystery of the past.
Tissues should be sold alongside this book- readers you will need them.