Atmospheric with wonderful attention to detail, this story of a housewife's affair with an art student in 1967 feels like a piece of classic literature, but doesn't necessarily add anything to the genre.

I read about a quarter of this book and stopped. It seemed so predictable. Then, I heard a review by Maureen Corrigan on Fresh Air and thought I should give it another try. Again, much was predictable until it wasn’t! While this isn’t the best of Tessa Harley’s work I think the last half of the book (ok maybe that’s generous) is excellent. So, be patient with this title.

I have now started this book 3 times, but I just don’t click with the story.

Thank you NETGALLEY for this ARC.

This book is well written, but I kept waiting for the story to pull me in more.
Phyllis was a well-developed character, and I appreciated how even though this midlife-crisis affair ended in typical fashion, she didn’t have second thoughts or regret. It was a decision that liberated her once it was set in motion.
I’d like to read more from the author.