A stunning novel telling the story of Antonia, the daughter of a perfect middle class family. She relives the abuse suffered at the hands of her society perfect mother and her hyper-masculine father as her mother lies in her death bead.

Retelling the story of her romance with Walter, her only protector, we see how the scars of childhood not only stay with you but effect and control your behaviour ever when you are set free.

Towards the end of her life Antonia moves to Israel and describes the many parallels between Israel and an abused child.

It’s an interesting and apt analogy but it’s woven imperceptibly not crow barred. The writing itself is so soft that it’s easy to get lost in it. Antonia is sympathetic and her description of childhood trauma rings true without being trivial or over hyped. In short all the elements are here for a perfect piece of fiction. ( )