Julie Round is an expert at describing the stresses and strains of family life. In spite of difficult challenges put in front of them her characters find a way through and this is the great strength of all of her narratives. In this story, the husband suffers a breakdown and commits a crime for which he is punished but manages to achieve atonement. The way this affects the family is beautifully described and illustrates how strong family bonds are important in overcoming adversity. The book is not quite up there with her earlier “Lane Trilogy” as I would have liked a more through introductory description of some of the subsidiary characters such as Lisa. But the novel is a good read all the same and is highly recommend it.
Keith Jahans
Never Pretend is published by Oldstick Books
and is available in paperback for £5.99
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Peatmore News 