Although I would not class myself as a Rosie Thomas fan I am slowly warming to her. I really enjoyed this book; it was easy reading with lots of real and likeable charaters. I really did not see the twist in the end coming. I will be seeking out some more Rosie Thomas books to read. ( )

An intriguing and mysterious tale.

Two women have their lives turned round after an earthquake brings one of them (Kitty) ashore to a tiny Greek island. This slowly unsettles the mostly stable domestic bliss of the other (Olivia), who has been living on the island with her Greek husband and two sons. The friction escalates when the now comfortable and stronger Kitty becomes imposing in Olivia's eyes.

The ending is complexing with many theories but they are not conclusive. To make matters more convoluted, there is a re-collection of history touched upon at the end, which can leave one wondering some more...

I thought this book was well written. The mood is eery in most parts and it lingers. It is quite an achievement to sustain this atmosphere. The pace is slow but eventually that makes you realise that although something is bound to happen, it is going to happen later on in the book.
The intimate and modest island lifestyle draws you in and it is interesting to read about. ( )

I so wanted to like this novel because it is dedicated "For Theo" and includes a character bearing my name. It was that determination that kept me reading beyond the first 100 pages when I had decided that I could recognize all the characters but not engage with any. Briefly, I was glad of my persistence. The narrative picked up and I was interested in how the tight-knit island community would respond to the stresses caused by the presence of the secretive new woman. Later, however, I found the structure had too many limbs, as if several different books had been shoved together. There is strong characterisation here and human relationships are beautifully delineated but I gained no real sense of place and the unifying theme seemed both confused and clumsy. ( )

I'm reading this book right now and enjoying it so much...maybe because of my age...I'm a Nanna of some very beautiful grandbebes...

This book takes a woman named Olivia, leaving her home behind and joing a man she has fallen in love with..Xan is her taking her to a Greek Island to live with him. Her life on this island is very peaceful until and earthquake happens and they have a visitor arrive on their doorstep. Kitty
has her own story to tell... there is a lot Olivia has to find out still.
Can't tell u anymore...and it would spoil it if I did...
If u have read this book as it came out in 2001..
I had never read it so am enjoying it now.
It is an easy read for me and I need something lite for now with summer getting closer... brain fade 4 me 4 summer! ( )

Didn't read it