Off Balance

by Mary Sheepshanks

To all appearances, Isobel and Giles Grant have it happily married, with two adored children, and a glorious house in Scotland, they are about to fulfil a lifetime's dream by launching the Glendrochatt Arts Centre. The perfect life, it would seem. But beneath the surface, there are cracks which threaten to destabilize everything they've worked for. While their daughter Amy is bright and talented, her twin Edward is "different" -- nobody knows quite what Edward is. And Giles's talent for manipulation occasionally threatens to provoke even sunny Isobel.

When Isobel's elder sister, Lorna, returns from South Africa -- and an unhappy marriage -- to take up residence at Glendrochatt, the cracks widen. For Lorna was once Giles's lover, and she's determined to take him back. The scars of a difficult childhood run deep in Lorna, and watching Isobel live the life she had planned for herself is almost unbearable. The situation is further complicated by the arrival of Daniel, an undeniably talented but mysterious artist to whom both sisters are drawn. It seems as if the Grants might be thrown irrevocably off balance.

Genres: Fiction

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Mary Sheepshanks is now publishing under her maiden name, Mary Nickson. Her works published as Nickson include Secrets and Shadows, a sequel to Off Balance.

Reviews

[Jennifer]

DNF.

I guess this is the year of the DNF. After 50 pages, I give up trying to connect with any of the characters and I don’t care to see what dramas will be played out over the next 300 pages. I also found it incredibly off putting the way the young son, who had an unnamed developmental issue such as autism, was dealt with by his mother. Very disappointing.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this book. It takes place in Ireland, with an interesting background. The story revolves around a wife/mother, who has twins - one of which is typical and the other with a form of autism. This part of the story intrigued me. The main character's jealous, competitive sister shows up to live with the family and all hell breaks loose. I had a hard time believing that the main character would allow her sister to continue living in the house, with the havoc she evokes. Suspending believe, I pretty much enjoyed the book, thinking that the evil sister would get what she deserves in the end. Let's just say that it isn't clear what happens, but what is clear made me mad! If the ending had been different, I might have rated this higher, but at the end I just felt ripped off.

[Dpic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Viscious and nasty sibling. Would have thrown her out within a week!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isobel and Giles live in a huge house in Scotland, which is partly converted to an arts/drama centre. Several other family members and friends live there, or arrive during the novel.

Realistic and three-dimensional characters, on the whole, with a particularly likeable and sympathetic boy on the autistic spectrum. There are a few caricatured - and mostly amusing - neighbours, and the villain of the piece isn't entirely believable. But I loved this book, perhaps all the more on re-reading eighteen years after first acquiring it.

Excellent! Highly recommended to anyone who likes thoughtful women's fiction.

Full review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Sheepshanks is a fine writer. I enjoy her writing style, her use of beautiful vocabulary, and her wit. This is not my favorite of her works, but it is a good story, well-told. As usual, her descriptions of rural Scotland are wonderful and her characters are well-drawn. This is a family drama with a nice balance of scheming and tension and the pleasures of ordinary daily life that make up the heart of the Aga genre of women's literature. As I read this book, I wanted to be among those gathered around the weathered table in the warm kitchen, drinking tea and planning tomorrow's activities.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scottish writer who writes a truly engaging story. I couldn't put it down. Story of betrayal within the family especially between the two sisters, Lorna and Isobel. Also, poignant characteristics of the disabled Edward, son. Author seems to really like her characters as she imbues them with energy and fullness.

[JoyfulK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheepshanks writes good novels with complex plots about women in midlife. Rhe 4 novels of hers of that I've read thus far have in common a focus on family life, and in particular what makes a good marriage. There's lots of twists and other stuff going on though.

[Cecelia Hightower · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a funny light hearted book about a family living in Scottland, starting an "Art Center/Theatre". You learn all about the ups and downs of keeping the business going, unfortunately you also learn all about the ups and down between family members.

[CLM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this author's books but the evil sister prevented me from fully appreciating this one - and I can't believe she hasn't written a sequel after leaving us hanging!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for what it is: a quick light read. I would have given it four stars if it hadn't been so reminiscent of her other work.

[Boltdenise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed. Great vacation read.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was good for the most part but the epilogue ruined the whole book for me. I had to pretend it didn't happen.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever and witty, engaging characters, but somewhat lacking in resolution.