An impressive space

by Pauline Brennan Here is a story that certainly packs an emotional punch. The story moves back and forth over the course of 20 years and unfolds through a mix of letters written between two really close friends over the summer of 1990 and what is happening in their lives 20 years on. The friendship is over, having ended abruptly, but the friends are thrown back together as a result of a horrific car accident. It focuses on the beautiful Lily who finds herself in a destructive relationship, strong independent Eve who is suffering from work burn out, the controlling and manipulative Declan who has allowed himself to be defined by his past and the sensitive yet elusive Clooney who struggles with commitment. The book explores many themes and poses some difficult questions. Are we defined by our past, our families or our own behaviour? Do we understand the difference in being loved or simply just being needed or indeed the fine line that separates caring from controlling? Ms McPartlin injects much seriousness and sadness as well as wonderful humour and wit into her writing. Many serious issues are explored, such as physical and sexual abuse, death, separation, loss, pain, friendship, love, grief, and guilt. The story revolves around choices and outcomes, decisions and consequences, considerations and repercussions. The author has drawn on her own experience and that of friends to produce an emotionally engaging read with strong vibrant realistic characters whose complex lives will touch the reader. You will be angered and shaken as well as hugely entertained by this captivating read. The conclusion is handled extremely well, it is clever and unpredictable and certainly the best I have read in quite a while. Anna McPartlin has produced a story that will satisfy on so many levels. I really enjoyed it and hope you will too! For lots more book reviews and to keep up-to-date with the latest literary news, become a member of the Bord Gáis Energy online book club bordgaisenergybookclub.ie