This book is part memoir, mostly of childhood holidays with her aunt Phyllis in Long Bennington on the Great North Road (as was) and part digressions and excursions into the delight in and the history of jigsaws. Aunt Phyliss had told her how to do 'the edges first'., This in turn leads into some history of children's books and games. There are also some insights into relationships with her mother and her author sister A S Byatt, which are by no means effusive.

Like a jigsaw Margaret Drabble fits in things here and there. Depending on your own interests, you'll enjoy. ( )