This is the third of Sarah Maine’s novels I’ve read, and I chose it from the shelves of Kinghorn Library. The other two I bought in Kirkcaldy Waterstones a few years back. I have read both twice, in fact, because I enjoyed them so much. (Not a frequent occurrence for me)
It is a two time zone novel. set in the 1940’s and the 1980’s.
Archie Maxwell, a mentally and physically damaged war hero, flees a family scandal, leaving his family home in Scotland, ending in a backwater in Newfoundland.
Eva Bayne, born in Newfoundland, was whisked away to Scotland to avoid possible scandal, aged 11 years. They may never have met again if it hadn’t been for a photograph.
As Archie put it, towards the end of the novel, ‘The fate’s knew what they were about.’
The twists and turns, tensions and tragedies in this novel, constantly keeps the readers on their toes, as each puzzle of backstory is revealed.
I love Sarah Maine’s writing style and her complex plots steeped in history. Highly Recommended and I will certainly read it again one day.
Diana Jackson 