Told in three perspectives, this book unfolds a bit slowly at first. Emily, a struggling actor, in rapid-fire succession loses her temp job, her agent and her flat. But she receives an unexpected lifeline from Scott, the handsome owner of the company where she recently lost her job. In short order, she is whisked away to help Scott's wife with their paradise-like property in the midcoast of France. Nina, and young daughter, Aurelia, are quite isolated here - and soon, Emily is equally cut off from the world.
Building slowly, Emily begins to realize that everything isn't quite as picture-perfect as it seems. The ending moves quickly, though, compensating for some of the slowness of the build-up. In some ways, I think that the mounting uncertainty and fear would have been stronger were the book only from Emily's perspective. I think that it would have allowed for deeper character growth, too. But, the other voices certainly fill in gaps that I am not sure how they could have otherwise been included. I think that a more detailed background would have balanced them a b it more... I guess a more consistent pace and a more even footing for the three voices would have made this a stronger book, but as it stands, it's an engaging read - and one that would be a great vacation read!
Building slowly, Emily begins to realize that everything isn't quite as picture-perfect as it seems. The ending moves quickly, though, compensating for some of the slowness of the build-up. In some ways, I think that the mounting uncertainty and fear would have been stronger were the book only from Emily's perspective. I think that it would have allowed for deeper character growth, too. But, the other voices certainly fill in gaps that I am not sure how they could have otherwise been included. I think that a more detailed background would have balanced them a b it more... I guess a more consistent pace and a more even footing for the three voices would have made this a stronger book, but as it stands, it's an engaging read - and one that would be a great vacation read!