I can well see why this book created such a bidding war among publishers, and expect to see it on best seller lists once it is released in the Uk. The story of a wealthy east coast family in the decades following the end of the second world war is quite enthralling. Although the most significant event of the piece happens in one summer of the 1950's the story flits back and forth through time allowing the pieces to slot gradually into place. Each of the five main characters have a section which allows us to view events from their viewpoint, and it is only by the time we reach the final, and most disturbing, of these that we are able to get a clear picture of events as a whole. Each character is well rounded and convincing and the stifling nature of both the time and the place are impossible to miss. A literary combination of mad men and revenge, and would make an excellent book club choice.