Lively immediately plunges us into an entirely convincing world of bustling family life...exceptionally well observed and gloriously enjoyable...this should be rated as one of her most impressive works * Guardian *
One of those ridiculously simple, ridiculously readable novels whose artistry only becomes apparent when you put it down with a sign of regret, having devoured it in one sitting...Lively still displays an economy and an elegance that put younger writers to shame * Sunday Telegraph *
Lively's brilliance is of the creeping kind. There is a sense of formality, which falls away as the novel gains pace and builds towards an unforeseen end. She is particularly good at bending language to make it fit her cool and clear voice...Lively succeeds brilliantly in getting a hold on the climate of family life. Slowly we absorb the details that get lost in the bluster and flurry until we are so drawn in, so tightly contained in the dynamics of this one, that the end, when it comes, is simply devastating * The Times *
A pleasure to read, hugely enjoyable, consistently absorbing, hilarious * Independent *
An involving emotional drama and an insightful examination of changing family values * Easy Living *
The complexities and silences of family life are intelligently and subtly explored...a very engaging novel, continuously interesting and often moving * Scotsman *
Gorgeous -- David Vann * Guardian Books of the Year *
Sympathetic and observant, Lively moves fluidly between present-tense set-piece scenes and silent monologues, placing the novel's revelations where they will be most effective, and allowing implications - about marriage, feminism and personal ambition - to blossom slowly * Sunday Times *
Penelope Lively at her best, sharp-eyed but sympathetic, deftly steering the reader from one point of view to another. This novel should delight her regular readers and ensnare new ones * Evening Standard *
A very readable, well-paced novel peopled with Lively's customary immaculately observed and impeccably rounded characters * Independent on Sunday *
Lively skilfully mingles past and present, as she peels away the layers to uncover a family secret of which no one speaks...Lively's astute skewering of family relations reverberates in the mind long afterwards * Daily Mail *
Lively plays her sleight of hand with admirable dexterity. The dialogue is pitch-perfect, the writing crisp and the humour wonderfully dry * Tatler *
Gripping. An intelligent look at family relationships and the knock-on effects of past events on the present. It's an absorbing tale of mystery and intrigue that will leave you wondering what lies behind even the nicest facade * Woman & Home *
A deeply satisfying, eloquent family-fabric novel * Good Housekeeping *
