Journal Entry 1 by herrgirl from Wantage, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Saturday, September 17, 2005

On a close, airless night at the end of the summer season anearthquake strikes, devastating the Turkish coast and generating a tsunami wave that crashes over the tiny Greek island of Halemni. It's a defining moment for the two women at the heart of Rosie Thomas's story. For Olivia, who has settled on the island with her Greek husband and two sons, it's a catalyst, forcing her to reassess her life away from England and take stock of what matters to her; for Kitty, it's a chance to turn her back on an unsuccessful marriage and start again, with a new identity, a rewritten past and a hopeful future.

When Kitty arrives on Halemni in the aftermath of the tidal wave, she's a woman who had "gradually become someone who listened, rather than a creature who went out and did things". But by throwing herself into helping the Greek villagers rebuild their homes, she gains independence and confidence, and slips seamlessly into Olivia's world. As the novel evolves, the two strikingly similar women become more alike, their lives begin to merge, dissolving into each other as time loses its linearity. Olivia's precious tranquillity is endangered; the villagers' lives are threatened by an uneasy claustrophobia that may well have more catastrophic results than the tsunami the autumn before.

 

Journal Entry 2 by herrgirl from Wantage, Oxfordshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, November 01, 2005

On its way to michelle1977. 

Journal Entry 3 by michelle1977 from Haren, Groningen Netherlands on Friday, November 04, 2005

Thanks so much herrgirl for sending this to me as a RABCK! I really look forward to reading it. I read "White" by the same author before and loved it, so I hope I will enjoy this one to. Thanks for being so kind to send it to me! I will pass it along again as soon as I'm done.

From the back cover:

"Olivia Giorgiadis has left her English roots behind. She lives on a tiny Greek island, married to a local man, mother to two small sons. Year on year, island life has followed a peaceful unchanging rhythm.

Until now. An earthquake ravages the coast, its force devastating the island. In the aftermath comes a stranger: an Englishwoman, destitute but for the clothes she wears.

Olivia welcomes the stranger into her home, the potter's house. But as Kitty melts into the family and the village community, so Olivia begins to sense that her mysterious visitor threatens all she holds dear..." 

Journal Entry 4 by michelle1977 from Haren, Groningen Netherlands on Monday, February 13, 2006

I absolutely adored this book, what a beautiful story! Although it isn't fast paced at all, it manages to suck you right in and keeps you wanting to read on. The twist the story takes is quite unexpected although I did think of it once or twice during the book (don't want to give anything away, but once you've read the book you'll know what I'm talking about). Anyway, it is beautifully written and I really enjoyed it.

I offered this book as a RABCK on the Wish List forum.

Thanks again for sharing it with me herrgirl! 

Journal Entry 5 by michelle1977 from Haren, Groningen Netherlands on Monday, February 20, 2006

Sending to Di78 as a RABCK. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 6 by Di78 from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Saturday, February 25, 2006

Arrived today!
Thanks for the RABCK.
TBR soon 

Journal Entry 7 by Di78 from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Saturday, April 29, 2006

It's the first book from Rosie Thomas that I have read and really loved it. I already have another book from Rosie Thomas to read soon, If My Father Loved Me.

This one I will offer to someone that would like to have it. 

Journal Entry 8 by Di78 from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Sunday, June 25, 2006

Given to a new friend. Hope she registers at Bookcrossing and like this book!