I so wish this book had at least another 100 pages. John Boyne at his best, searching out the soul of his characters and leaving the reader with food for thought. 
Vanessa retreats to a wild island off the west coast of Ireland, cuts her hair and changes her name. All in an effort to come to terms with the tragedy and scandal that has befallen her family. What was her role in the whole affair? Did she know? Could she have done anything?
This book is full of intriguing characters but unfortunately we don’t get to know too much about any of them. Maybe there is a book waiting for each one. 
The only thing that jarred with me in the book and enough to knock off one star is the general vilification of men. A trend that is appearing across society, men can do no good and women no evil…….as if life could possibly be so divided. And yet, to my mind at least, Vanessa did have a case to answer. A case that wasn’t addressed in the book but perhaps should have been. 
Well worth a read. 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for this honest review.