Family Album by Penelope Lively
On the surface Allersmead is the epitome of the perfect family home - a well-lived-in Victorian house in leafy suburbia complete with comforting aromas of home-cooked food to greet you on arrival. But beneath this apparently peaceful exterior, lies a much more turbulent past.
Paul, Gina, Sandra, Katie, Roger and Claire are six siblings, who all spent their childhoods treading the boards of Allersmead House but, although they all flew the nest long ago to go off in their own independent directions, for one reason or other, they’re back, visiting the loving parents they left behind. But, even though times have changed, the secrets have remained the same – and one thing’s for sure, they won’t stay hidden for long…
Lively’s latest novel is an intelligent look at family relationships and the knock-on effects of past events on the present. It’s an absorbing tale of mystery and intrigue that will leave you wondering what lies behind even the nicest façade.
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The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (Atlantic, £7.99)
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