This is a very interesting and intriguing story; Millie’s Aunt Flo has recently died and she has been asked to sort through her belongings. She finds that, rather than the seemingly dull life she imagined Flo had, there are actually surprising secrets consisting of a hushed-up love affair and an illegitimate child! As Millie pieces together Flo’s life she finds this process helps her deal with her own past experiences and problems, and feels she gains from Flo’s strength of character.

The narrative alternates between Millie in present day, and Flo as a young woman in the 1930s and throughout her life. It is very well-written and you feel involved with both women’s characters. It is also interesting to compare the different times in which these women live, and how the traditions of the time influence both their actions. The secrets are gradually, and tantalisingly, revealed and Flo’s past actions end up having a bearing on Millie’s present life and decisions. One of the themes of the book also seems to be how damaging secrets can be – from Flo’s secret romance, to Millie’s experiences of a violent and abusive father.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are all very believable, and the way the book alternates between different characters and times works very well.