3.5 Stars
Beth and Frank Johnson are happily married and living on the family farm in Dorset. Though life for Beth has not turned out as she dreamed, she is content. Then the arrival of Gabriel Wolfe, Beth’s first love, changes everything. Beth and Gabriel reconnect over his son Leo who reminds Beth of her own son Bobby who died in a tragic accident. Thus begins a love triangle which sets in motion a chain of events that will change the lives of several people.
There are three timelines. In 1955, we learn about Beth and Gabriel’s short-lived love affair. In 1968, we witness Gabriel’s return and his entry into the lives of his neighbours, the Johnsons. The last timeline is 1969 when there’s a murder trial which Beth attends daily, though the identities of both the victim and the person charged with murder remain unknown until half way through the novel.
I know that we are to have sympathy for Beth because of the death of Bobby, but I found it difficult to like her. She is selfish and self-absorbed and emotionally immature. Over a decade has passed since the end of her romantic relationship with Gabriel, but there’s no evidence of any emotional growth. As soon as Gabriel appears, she is drawn to him and believes they have to be together, but then she also claims “it’s Frank I have to be with.” She admits, “It’s selfish of me to carry on like this,” but we don’t really see her trying not to hurt her husband. She knows the situation is untenable, but “I refuse to think about how it is going to end.” In order for characters to be realistic, they need to be flawed, but she just seems delusional. It takes another death for her to make a choice?!
On the other hand, Frank is just too good to be believable. He’s kind, reliable, hard-working, understanding, and unfailingly loving and forgiving. His misplaced atonement is unnecessary; if the truth had been revealed, the consequences would have been minimal. Addressing the trauma directly would also be beneficial. Instead, additional guilt is placed on a person who must contend with it for the rest of his life.
Other characters are also problematic. Gabriel’s mother is just so manipulative, a virtual stereotype of the rich woman who views everyone as her inferior who can only do as she dictates. It’s inevitable that she will play a role in shaping events. The same is true for Jimmy, Frank’s brother. His behaviour is definitely foreshadowing. In some ways, therefore, much of what happens is predictable. And the ending, set in 1975, is just too melodramatic, though after the heartbreak and death looming over the entire narrative, it provides some relief.
This book has received glowing reviews, but though I found it entertaining, it’s not what I consider exceptional.
I agree. My reaction was much the same.
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