I'm no expert, so I'm not going to say whether she is a 'good' writer, but Helen Dunmore's writing definitely works for me. In this novel she created a story of two sisters who are close and yet somehow mysteriously separated. What makes closeness? What produces separation? What is 'truth' in relation to our memories of our childhood? These questions are posed but never definitely answered. I felt very close to both of the sisters who are the main characters, although at the same time I didn't really understand either of them. I know this isn't a very well written review....but I think I'm trying to say that there's a power in Dunmore's writing that for me is well beyond what I can express. Maybe as I think more about this book I'll come to a better understanding of my own response. But for now, Helen Dunmore goes onto my Favorite Authors list.
ETA: Having given the matter some thought, I've decided that it's Dunmore's ability to create an *atmosphere* which impresses me. In this book there's a separate "atmosphere" for each of the character pairs. When they're together we get a certain feeling about the relationship. We can feel the tension, the attraction, the disdain, the passion etc. She doesn't need a whole lot of words, just careful selection of points of emphasis. . . I'm really not sure how she does it, but, as I said, it works for me. ( )

Unfortunately this book was not as suspenseful and drama filled as the synopsis would have one believe. It was actually kind of flat. There were some interesting things happening in the story but Dunmore failed to make me really care. It was all rather boring.

The story is told through the first person perspective of Nina. Nina character could have been interesting but she failed to connect to me. I wanted her to be interesting and exciting but she was as boring as the drama and suspense that was promised.

Isabel is a little more interesting in the fact that the reader sees her through Nina's somewhat jaded eyes. But there seems to be so much more going on with her. Other than that she was boring also.

I really like to give somewhat in depth reviews but this was just bland. I was disappointed. The inside cover and title got me excited and didn't deliver. ( )