I first read this book many years ago, in its early edition but have re-read it so many times since! It's a truly great read and even though it's Scholes' first adult fiction book - it's just as great as all her latter ones and has some really memorable scenes. Again, it has interstesing characters, and it's drama takes you into a range of settings each of which Scholes has skilfully crafted - from the environment of an isolated small-island township, to the world of ballet and, performance and the toll it can take, as well as the land of India and gurus, Mystics and ashrams. I loved the variety of themes explored including mother-daughter relationships and how our childhood journey with our mother can influence and shape our future....so much goes on in it! One of the best and most memorable scenes for me in the book, takes place at an airport in India...if the book was ever made into a film, this scene would have you chuckling for quite a while!! (You will have to read it to know what I am talking about! )