Although the book is written elegantly I just couldn't feel involved with the story and the characters... ( )

I found this book a little tedious in parts, but never for too long to spoil my enjoyment of it. It's a multi-layered story of lost love, redemption and repentance. We hear the story through the voice of the main character David, who is a psychiatrist. As he begins to learn the reasons for his patient’s suicide attempt, he begins to feel that the 'other side' of her has a special meaning for him.
I particularly empathised with David on hearing that he took solace in his love of reading - as do all bibliophiles sometimes.

I think that art lovers and anyone who enjoyed Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring would enjoy this book. ( )

Pushing therapeutic boundaries, Dr David Cruickshank sits up half the night with a patient who has recently attempted suicide. He mentions a painting by Caravaggio which proves to be the opening for her to tell him her story. Both Dr and patient are in a period of crisis in their lives and as she reveals her life he finds his own past becomes ever more present. This is an intense, sad, powerful novel about love and loss. ( )