Gone

Having recently moved from England to the American south-west with her boyfriend, Spencer, Elizabeth is trying to adjust to American culture while setting up home in a ramshackle house built from recycled bottles. But before she has had time to settle in, her mother calls and tells her that her elderly grandmother has had a fall and is in hospital. Grandma's last wish, before she dies, is for Elizabeth to settle down and marry. Ever obedient, Elizabeth proposes to Spencer and returns to England to prepare for her wedding day. At home, relationships are strained and her father has sailed off in his boat, leaving Elizabeth unsure of where he has gone, and more importantly, whether he will be back in time for the wedding. Her mother is distant and seemingly consumed by her own past and problems. As preparations are made, Elizabeth begins to recall her childhood. The tragedy that her family has encountered slowly unfolds as she describes the mysterious shadows overhanging family life. Particularly poignant is the relationship between her mother and father, and that between Elizabeth and her brother Duncan - a case of sibling rivalry between two very different personalities. This may be another 'return to your homeland and work through your past' story, but it's one that contains plenty of intrigue and mystery to keep you turning the pages. The relationship between Elizabeth and Duncan will strike a chord with many readers, as will Elizabeth's experiences of growing up and trying to find herself. This is an extremely compelling book that examines family relationships while highlighting the English characteristic of maintaining a surface layer of harmony and respectability to conceal undercurrent of unhappiness and discord. (Kirkus UK)