It may be a cliché to talk of a 'game of two halves' but this was very much how I was struck when reading this book. The first part deals with the main character, Owen's, childhood in Wales. I found this part moving and evocative. He and his grandparents live their lives in partnership with the land. It is a harsh way of life but for Owen a rewarding one that he looks back on with great affection. Tim Pears handles this beautifully. The second half is very different. It deals with the aftermath of a tragedy, as Owen tries to reconnect with his two surviving children and the land he remembers so fondly. Whilst interesting and moving this section of the book held too many plot contrivances for me. It failed to carry me along as it had done in the early parts. I should be honest here and say that it is possible I misunderstood this section completely. Does it really happen or is it all in the mind? I’ll leave it to other readers to decide. I would definitely recommend this book even though I was ultimately disappointed with it.

Tim Pears style of writing was comfortable to read. I believed his relationship with all the characters particularily his relationship with his grandfather and the development of his relationship with his two children towards the end of the story. I was however left quite unsure as to how the story managed to finish in such a manner. I think I must have missed something as the story unfolded. To re-read this book would not be a hardship

I found this a difficult book to get into. It seemed to drift backwards and forwards too much. Owen spends time with his grandparents in the Welsh hills because his mother is not capable of bringing him up. He discovers a talent for outdoor life - helping with shepherding and also some poaching. His own marriage stumbles onto the rocks with a car accident and he becomes more remote from them all. At one stage, his wife and children are off to Canada. On reflection, I still am not sure what this book is trying to achieve.