The blurb at the back of book is, in my opinion, misleading. Based on it and the cover I thought I was getting mystery/suspense novel. In fact it is two fiction novellas, linked together only by a chance encounter on the London train.

First part: about Paul, a man with a late-midlife crisis, reflects on his life triggered by the death of his mother. For me it fails because I could not care for, or relate to, any of the characters (particularly Paul). It takes place at his country home in Wales, and low-rent council flat in London. Middling, introspective, tedious. 2/5

Second part: about Cora, a 30 year old woman coping with emotional issues. Told primarily from her point of view, briefly switching to two other characters. This part could be read on its own. As the incidents in Cora's life that have led her to this point are revealed, the reader can sympathize and, in some cases, empathize. It does go on a bit with the navel gazing in the middle. Good writing, reasonably engaging, disappointing ending. 2.5/5 ( )

I kept dipping into this but couldn't get the thread which is another way of saying it didn't "get me on board". I wish it had pulled me in as the description made it sound interesting. I guess I could say, not enough acceleration at the start for me. ( )

What a book! I am so glad I discovered Tessa Hadley before I die. She writes so well about relationships, about thoughts, conversations, feelings, things done and things not done. Sure, it's in the context of middle class UK, but I relate well to that environment. I'm just amazed that more people haven't given it 5 stars, but I suppose that's largely reflecting my particular stage of life, and also the fact that I have very little need for a lot of action in a story - although there are plenty of things going on - drama, mystery, love, politics, etc. I think a lot of readers are put off by the fact that many of the characters are 'unlikable' or behave in ways that annoy the reader. But I am interested the nature of relationships, why people annoy each other and behave in irrational and silly ways, so observation of such behaviour can be very appealing to me. ( )

I loved this. I love the intimacy she creates between the reader and whatever is happening on the page and the level of detail she includes- several times I looked up from what I was reading and was surprised to find myself at home, not in Wales. Or in London.

This is the kind of novel I will push on friends and strangers relentlessly. ( )

I was not a fan of this book. The dialogue was weird, it was not well written, and the stories (it was in two parts) were kind of ridiculous. ( )