Samuel Goodwin is employed by Mr Farrow as drawing master to his daughters. It seems an ideal job - patronage, elegant surroundings, charming company. But appearances deceive. Samuel - and the reader - are drawn into a mystery; the denouement is a horrifying and dramatic revelation. The style echoes Brontë and Collins; the subject is entirely modern. This is a rewarding read for anyone who is happy to blur the boundaries between adults and children.
* This novel has just won the Costa Award (ex Whitbread) in its Children's category.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 38 February 2007 ) |
