William Trevor is known for the poetic beauty of his prose, and he doesn't disappoint in this novel. The story is set in a fictitious small Irish town Rathmoye, where nothing much happens.



A love story that is relatively conventional, it raises itself above the expected love triangles marred by deceit and betrayal, by exploring the motivations and attitudes of the characters the plot involves, and unveils the better part of human nature tragedy strikes and sacrifice offered.



There is a sleepy quality to the town that Trevor details well with his languid description. Whether it's about Ellie and Dillahan's lives on the farm, or the foppish Florian Kilderry's abandoned familial home, Shelhanagh, on the outskirts of town, or even Number 4, a bed and board owned by Miss Connulty and her brother, Trevor creates a strong sense of place in his narration of the events that would tie these characters together one long summer.



It does require some patience from readers used to fast-paced action and short sharp prose, but Trevor's writing refuses to be hurried.