I think it is a testament to the writer's skill that this book slowly shifted it's tenor through the narrative's progression. Initially, we're thrust into the goings on of a fairly vibrant and unorthodox household to observe the 'blossoming' of a 'relationship'. The narrative initially doesn't dwell on appropriateness of this 'special relationship' and, as a result, I too didn't initially judge the narrative's characters. But, as the work progresses, it draws in all the color that will deeply impact its protagonists and, in the process, that that we will reflect upon. I think that was what so captured me - that slow, constant and controlled shift the author drives in both the characters and my realizations. As the characters question themselves and ask, 'how did I miss seeing....', so too did I wonder how my judgements of their actions were delayed. I couldn't help but think is was so much like a storied greek tragedy in its structure once I reflected on the work as a whole. ( )

I recall when reading/finishing the book it made an impression on me, however several years later (as I write my review) it has escaped my memory completely. So not memorable. I wanted to like it - in the spirit of On Chisel Beach by Ian McEwan (which I LOVED), but it had a different feel to it. and ultimately did not capture me the same way.

I would consider rereading it to see if my impression sticks longer. I recall enjoying / responding while holding the book in my hands. It's just over time not memorable for me. ( )

3.5 stars ( )

It was such a difficult read... Stories about child abuse can hardly be easy. What I liked - the multiple POVs... of the abuser, the child being abused and a person who saw the abuse happen which kind of gave us the whole picture. It also touched a lot of topics like grooming, disbelief, guilt, blame, etc. What I didn't like - the sudden realisations that kept happening. ( )

Tidy novel that flirts with a dangerous subject but in the end doesnt reach any great heights. Ralph is a thirty-something playwright who visits the bohemian household of Ed and Ellie in Putney, and becomes infatuated with their 9 year old daughter free-spirited Daphne. In a calculated process of grooming, which the immature Daphne interprets as love, he seduces the child, eventually taking her virginity at the age of 13 during a clandestine trip to Greece. Their affair drags in Daphne's friend Jane, who is denigrated by her peers (and herself) as being large and plain, and for whom Ralph as no regard but as a patsy to assist in covering-up his relationship with Daphne. Many years later, Daphne is a single mother with a teenage daughter of her own, and still captivated by the idea her relationship with Ralph was love. But her fears for her maturing daughter and a shocking revelation from Jane suddenly catapult Daphne into reality and she realises her "affair" was actually rape. Her pursuit of Ralph, now dying from cancer, for child abuse leads her to many self-revelations about the course of her life. This ends up being an engrossing story, but its far too mild-mannered and self-conscious to properly deal with such shocking story material. And the conclusion is too abbreviated and tidy to really satisfy. While the characters are strong and engaging, even the repulsive Ralph can elicit a trace of sympathy at times, and the evocations of the bohemian lifestyle in 70s London and wonderful images of Greece are far too attractive for a book of this kind. While this is a strong read, there's a always a lingering feeling that it should really be much darker than it is. Worth reading, but dont expect anything earth-shattering. ( )