In the long hot summer of 1972, three events shattered the serenity of ten year old Marsha's life: her father ran away with her mother's sister Ada; Boyd Ellison, a young boy, was molested and murdered; and Watergate made the headlines. Living in a world no longer safe or familiar, Marsha turns increasingly to 'the book of evidence' in which she records the doings of the neighbors, especially of shy Mr Green next door. But as Marsha's confusion and her murder hunt accelerate, her 'facts' spread the damage cruelly and catastrophically throughout the neighborhood.


Just finished reading this and am so very much impressed at what a fine novel this is, especially for a debut novel. The writing is first class. Berne conjours up clear images of the quiet middle class neighbourhood of Spring Hill: the sights, the smells, the sounds. But particularly the sounds. I was captivated.

Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction (1999).

Posting off to keeta1 as a wishlist tag.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

It's here, along with it's friend! Thank you crimson-tide :)

Another book that's been on my shelf far too long!
A very enjoyable, well written story. The four sisters reminded me so much of a friend of mine and her three sisters, who are much the same as these four. Also reminded me of my time as a young mother in the seventies - culotte skirts and wooden Dr Scholl's :)

Welcome to BookCrossing!

Thank you for picking up this book. Please make a journal entry on the BookCrossing site (www.bookcrossing.com) to let me know that this book has found a good home with you. You may choose to remain anonymous, or to join (it's free). If you join, please consider indicating that you were referred by keeta1. It’s all free, spam-free and confidential (you’re known only by your screen name and no one is ever given your e-mail address).
I hope you enjoy the book.
Happy reading!

Released for the 2022 NJABBIC Challenge - Week 10
Released into the brand new (and only) street library in Whitianga :)