An extraordinary book that remains in the mind long
after being put down. Andrew and Doreen could both remember parts
of the book twenty years after reading it. The story centers on
an egocentric retired theatre director who moves to a lonely, and
slightly spooky house by the sea. He rediscovers the lost love of
his childhood living in the village and becomes obsessively
involved with the idea of rescuing her from her husband, marrying
her and living happily ever after. The book becomes quite
theatrical as other characters from his past (ex-lovers, their
husbands, etc.) turn up on his doorstep and become re-entangled
in his life. Jean usually finds it hard to be bothered about
books that concern unsympathetic and unlikeable characters but
this one is an exception. Not exactly an easy read but rewarding.
It is worth reading for the evocative descriptions of the sea
alone. Highly recommended.
Jean 19/5/02