Penguin Books
February 2014
From the beginning of this book I
was completely taken into another world, to one of rural deprivation and where
family secrets run as deep as the river which runs alongside the tumble down
cottage which is home to the enigmatic Marsh sisters. In 1913, spinster sisters
Nellie and Vivian Marsh eke out a bleak existence in the isolated Suffolk
hamlet where dark secrets from their past are set to overshadow the whole of
their lives. Fast forward to 1939 and London barmaid Birdie Farr’s story becomes inextricably
linked with that of the Marsh sisters and as tendrils of the past start to intertwine,
you know that life for Birdie will never be the same again.
The story unfolds almost like beautiful
cinematography; sometimes in slow motion and at other times in fast freefall. Time
and place are captured so perfectly that I could sense the languorous heat of
the summer hay field and felt the fast flow of the river as it took the Marsh
secrets away.
Beautifully written, this story
really gets into the heart of soul of relationships; the love and rivalry
between sisters is captured in tortuous detail and the heartbreaking pain of unrequited love
lingers in hidden corners.
Without doubt Spilt Milk is real joy
to read and it is a story which will stay with me for a very long time.
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for my review copy of this book.
*~*~*
What a great review - Totally agree. I read this writer's first novel and bought this one, curious to see what she might do next, and I am glad I did. Absolutely loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment - so glad you enjoyed this book too :)
DeleteLoved your review, very evocative - just like the cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy - both the story and the cover are great :)
Delete