This is an evocative novel about a soon to retire teacher that cleverly interconnects snapshots of his childhood and his life since but drawn to the front of his mind by events and thoughts in the here and now and particularly on the unexpected encounter with an old school friend, Sydney. Lewis feels unfulfilled as he approaches retirement, believing now, that his life would have been different if he'd chosen a more dramatic career. In each chapter we hear his thoughts; what he wanted, what he still wants but has never quite managed to grasp and what he's achieved and what he'd like to achieve. With simple yet eloquent writing from Man Booker shortlisted Alison Moore, the author describes relationships, much like any other, yet the focus is very much on unfulfilled dreams, wishes, desires. There are times you might feel a little frustrated by Lewis and want to shake, to shout, to implore him to get out and live his life. Whether he does or doesn't, only the reader will know but rest assured the ending will surprise.
| Primary Genre | Modern and Contemporary Fiction |
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