When the last of her three children leaves home, fifty-one-year-old Alice Hatton is forced to face the uncomfortable truth that she retains little affection for her golf-playing, lawyer husband, Peter. Lacking confidence, having known no occupation other than motherhood, she succumbs to obvious attempts at consolation – a new hairstyle, a lover – before stumbling upon a far more ingenious and sinister mode of self-fulfilment.
“A bright, neat first novel…engagingly ebullient. ”
— The Financial Times
“A strong sense of humour, a natural narrative gift and controlled, understated characterization signify a promising debut. ”
— Evening Standard
“Penetrating insights into the ordinary female condition. ”
— Woman's Own
“A confident narrative voice. ”
— Daily Telegraph
“A Chekovian understanding of human beings and their failings. ”
— The Bookseller