Set (initially) in Ghana in the 1930s, this is the story of Matilda, a 14 year old girl who has to grow up quickly when she is chosen to become the second wife of successful lawyer Robert Bannerman. With no say over her future and an avaricious family who are keen to capitalise on Matilda’s marriage, her childhood meets an abrupt end. The marriage is also a horrible affront to Robert’s current wife Julie, who forms an instant hatred of Matilda and will go to almost any lengths to make her life a misery.

On the other side of the island is Alan Turton, a genial Englishman who has moved to Ghana and taken up a role working for the Governor. While he embraces his new way of life, his new wife Audrey hates it and takes to drinking all day long and longing for a return to England.

The book focusses slightly more on Matilda’s story – certainly I felt that out of all the characters, Matilda was the one who was depicted most clearly and who was easily the most distinctive voice (although the book is told in the third person).

I enjoyed the insight into Ghanian life in the 1930s, and in particular into the life of a young girl with no control over her future. I also liked the political backdrop with some people – such as Robert – welcoming the colonials and believing that it will eventually be good for Ghana’s independence, while others resent it seeing it as the British Empire trying to assert themselves where they have no right. There are also descriptions of Christianity versus Traditionalism, and the pervading sense of racism features in the book too.

I found that apart from Matilda, who was a wonderful character, I did not really like any of the other characters. Audrey was difficult to warm to, although I could sympathise with her situation. I didn’t like her husband who despite his friendliness and apparent liberalism, was entirely selfish in the way he couldn’t – or wouldn’t – see how unhappy his wife was, and even when he did, he was not prepared to do anything whatsoever to try and help her. Robert was charismatic but in many ways a cowardly chauvinist and Julie was despicable, although her shock and humiliation was understandable. Most of all, Matilda’s family were the worst – they cared only about what they would gain from Matilda’s marriage, and expected her to put up with deplorable behaviour for their sakes. This is not a criticism of the story, as I am sure they were intentionally shown that way.

The writing was rich and descriptive, and I did enjoy the book in the main. I am not sure I would be waiting in line to buy a new book by Marilyn Heward Mills, but I think I would certainly be interested in reading more by her at some point. ( )

Excellent read could not put down great insight into the life of two very different women highly recommended. ( )