(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

At twenty, Sara is tormented by terror so profound she hasn't left her home in five years. Like the mermaid in the fairytale her Spanish grandmother once told her, Sara imagines she is dancing on knives. She feels suffocated by her family, especially her father - the famous artist Augusto Sanchez - whose volcanic passions dominate their lives. Then one stormy night, her father does not come home. His body is found dangling from a cliff face. Astonishingly, he is still alive, but the mystery of his fall can only be solved by the revelation of long-held family secrets.

*3.5 stars*

This is a toughie. Lots of positives in this novel. As usual, Kate Forsyth knows how to transfix her readers with elegant prose and wonderful characters. The development of the characters was on-point. I was engaged completely with the storyline of Sara. And the conclusion, while not necessarily all smiles and roses, was particularly perfect.

What lost me a little bit was the flashbacks to Sara's family and culture. At times, it felt disjointed and really took me away from the story completely. And that is a little disappointing as those moments really did work for the story but the transitions felt at odds with what was developing in the overall story.

However, I have no problem recommending this book - it is Kate Forsyth, after all!


Paul
ARH