"Three years ago, Shelley's lover, Conrad, died in a surfing accident. Now, still in a state of subdued grief, Shelley has just moved into an old Victorian terrace in Paddington with David, her new partner, trying for a new beginning."

Tranter perfectly depicts the ongoing grief following the loss of a loved one, years after the fact. This short story is gripping, with the intertwining illustration of languid emotions and a mysterious, often uninviting, hidden room. Both are depicted in a poetic and graceful writing style, which compelled me to read more. However, while I enjoyed the writing, by the end of the book I was longing more - a more concrete story line, I think.

All in all a great read.