Picked up at a library clearance sale in Salisbury.

This novel centres on a middle-aged couple Jack and Ellie Luxton. Both are in their late thirties and grew up the children of neighbouring north Devon farmers and are the last of their respective families. They are childhood sweethearts who now own and manage a caravan park on the Isle of White.

Most of the book is told through the thoughts of Jack although Ellie is by no means forgotten whilst the thoughts of a few other minor characters including his brother, Tom, figure briefly. Jack is a thoughtful man who has to a certain extent lived a sheltered life whereas Ellie is much more worldly wise.

The book is deliberately not told in chronological order, however, if I have one complaint with it, it is that we are informed far too early in the novel that Jack is sat looking out the window awaiting the return of Ellie with a shotgun at his side struggling against madness. We have no idea as to what has caused this. By the time that Ellie does return home some of the effect is lost. I had almost stopped caring why Jack has got a loaded gun next to him never really believing that he would use it whatever the provocation. Swift is obviously a master of his trade and is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors but overall I felt that this one just missed the mark.

Going out as part of a Wishlist Tag thread. Enjoy!

Thank you. Arrived on my birthday, but as the family were here I haven't been able to journal it until now. All in all a lovely birthday present indeed!