This is a story of escaping the past and curses that seem to be destroying the women in your family. If you expect the story to be full gothic novel then you may be disappointed; it has a flavor of haunted house, ghosts, and shadows but is more historical in storytelling. The story is detailed, and a bit slow reading but the characters are worth the read. Each character is well developed and relatable. Imagine escaping a curse and feeling as if you have moved on only to receive a letter that someone is looking into your past and knows your history and will expose you after 60 years being free. It is an examination of where you came from and a look at history and expectations of women and survival. The story is well written and beautifully descriptive. As I read it I was a bit disappointed in the male point of view in story, since they seemed to be slanted to being boring and not smart. I have not read the authors first book which was Dietland which received great reviews.