It's been quite some time since I cried in public but that's exactly what I found myself doing - uncontrollably so - on a train whilst reading the closing chapter of this beautifully written novel. Augusta (Gus) and Owen moved to the countryside for a fresh start following Gus' affair with the father of one of her students. The hurt between them seems to be healing and the arrival of Alison in the building next door provides Gus with a new friend and confident. However, when Alison's daughter visits their new life slowly begins to fall apart. Robin Black's writing is incredibly powerful - I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach, so heartbreaking is the conclusion to this story. The characters are incredibly realistic and frustrating - you want to grab them by the shoulders and shake them until they realise just how self-destructive they are. I think this could be a real contender for literary prizes this year, and I can't wait to get my hands on her previous work.