Under the Sun

I loved Moggach's first novel, Kiss Me First and was expecting great things from Under The Sun. Reading the blurb on the back of the book anyone would expect a straight forward thriller but this book is much more than that. It is a story of a woman who followed her heart to Spain with the man she thought she loved and found herself abandoned, unsure who she is or indeed where she belongs. Over the ensuing pages Anna fights to get her home back, attempts to discover who the mysterious Simon is and who the African men could be residing in her property. Throw in an ill judged affair with a married expat and the return of her absent father and Anna has a whole lot of issues to deal with.

Anna's character is brilliantly realised by Moggach. A character full of despair, and self pity, doing little to help herself until finally digging deep she finds the strength to pull herself together and get her life back on track. There were times, particularly at the start of the novel that I found Anna mildly irritating, her constant need to please Michael, had me shaking the book in frustration, wanting her to ditch this vile man!! That soon turned to urging her on as she finally found the where with all, to fight for want she wanted.

The ex-pat community setting perfectly highlighted how the Brits are viewed abroad. The Spaniards treating them with disdain and the Brits creating their own bit of Britain, still clinging to British values never fully immersing themselves in Spanish culture. The use of Africans and particularly the mystery of the body on the beach showed up the problems Europe now has with illegal migration and the desperation of those willing to travel under dubious and dangerous circumstances to find a better life.

The novel was a little slow paced to start but soon gathered speed as Anna, slowly grappled with her life and the circumstances she found herself in.

Not your typical thriller but a hugely satisfying novel that I enjoyed immensely.

Thank you to Picador and Alice Dewing for a proof copy to read and review.