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Gripping, insightful and deft, Maggie O'Farrell's third novel is a haunting story of the way our families shape our lives. It was winner of the Somerset Maugham Award. On a cold February afternoon, Stella catches sight of a man she hasn't seen for many years, but instantly recognises. Or thinks she does. At the same moment on the other side of the globe, in the middle of a crowd of Chinese New Year revellers, Jake realises that things are becoming dangerous. They know nothing of one another's existence, but both Stella and Jake flee their lives: Jake in search of a place so remote it doesn't appear on any map, and Stella for a destination in Scotland, the significance of which only her sister, Nina, will understand.

Reviews

Every bit as good, if not better, than her highly acclaimed previous novels. An intriguing plot, sympathetic characterisation and beautifully observed, sophisticated writing all make for a hugely satisfying read -- Booksellers' Choice Maggie O'Farrell has written three novels, each of them a critical and commercial success -- FT A well paced read that slowly and tantalisingly unravels a web of mysteries, tragedies and intrigue, keeping you hooked -- Eve Maggie O'Farrell brilliantly reveals how the past has an untidy habit of cluttering up the present in this compulsively readable tale of star-crossed lovers and secretive siblings -- Elle