By Tessa Hadley.
Set against the backdrop of post-war Bristol, this novella follows sisters Moira and Evelyn as they navigate a transformative night. It all begins with an art students' party in a dockside pub, where the two meet Paul and Sinden—men whose sophistication both intrigues and unsettles them.
Days later, Sinden invites the sisters to a lavish mansion, and despite Evelyn’s hesitation, Moira accepts, leading them into a glamorous but unsettling world.
As the night unfolds, the sisters are confronted with uncomfortable truths about themselves and each other, propelling them into a new phase of their lives.
There’s a striking moment when Evelyn reflects that “bodies were sometimes wiser than the people inside them”. A thought that lingers as the story explores the complexity of desire, identity, and self-discovery.
This historical read offers an emotionally immersive experience, featuring sibling characters that draw you in and captivate your attention.
The novella captures the post-war mood beautifully, offering a glimpse into the messy, emotional transitions of adulthood. For those who loved Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These, this wintery tale holds a similar allure, though it may not fully satisfy from start to finish.
Thank you so much to the author as well as Vintage Books for running this book tour!
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