Browsing the shelves looking for something to read, nothing seemed to appeal and then I discovered a Joanne Trollope book. I looked at it. Had I read it before, probably but did not remember the characters or plot. I smiled thinking this is the author for whom the phrase ‘aga saga’ was coined. The saga type genre has got a predictable writing format but since this is an early one I decided to give it a go.

I enjoyed it. While it is somewhat dated as it is set in the early nineties but its core theme is still true because of our recent economic troubles. The Home Counties characters are still out there. The family relationships, two sisters with very different home lives and life styles, how these individuals respond to age, social and financial circumstances make this an enjoyable read. The perception and depth of the character introspection was a surprise. The family dynamics are deftly described and the plot line is believable. This is writing where the life style of the characters is known, and it’s the character description that makes the novel a good read. I had forgotten how good a writer Joanna Trollope is.

I can see why the genre is so appealing to readers, this is a book from an author who can deliver a really good read. If an authors’ more recent offerings are samey try the early works that made their name, it can be worth it. It can be rewarding to go back to early works by your favourite author there are gems hidden in there.  

Available as a book.