This novel is based to some extent on the life of the author. That's not necessarily good or bad but it perhaps explains why many elements are included and why the story takes the directions it does. There are many aspects which I found hard to understand but the relationship between Joseph and his wife Natasha was always rather troubling to me. The dialog between them was very often unresolved, with questions asked of each other with no answer given and no response indicated. These two characters seemed to get obsessed with certain issues without the reason being apparent - to this reader, at least. I didn't like Natasha but I attach some of the blame to her voicing on the audiobook version I 'read'. I was also somewhat mystified by the omission of certain aspects of events that are otherwise described in great detail. I presume it's Bragg's 20th century masculinity that fails to account for the role of his daughter in many of the scenes. Natasha and Joseph just go off and do stuff, obviously without the daughter (who is also un-named for the vast majority of the time) but we have no idea what has happened to her. Despite the great length of the work, we really don't seem to get to know the characters very well. Perhaps this is indeed autobiographical? ( )

I wanted to like this book. There is some clearly stylistic writing but at about 1/4 the way in nothing really has happened. The characters are so tragic I don't really care what happens to them. Abandoning it as a lost cause. ( )

I agree with the below review - I found it hard going and difficult to get into, and at times more indulgent than necessary.

It's a tricky book to rate, because despite this, there is a lot that makes this worth persevering with (and it did feel like persevering at times). I found it to be a quiet, reflective book that placed emphasis on the deeper thoughts and feelings of the characters, getting far below the surface emotions and action. Bragg is beautifully insightful at times - he seems to capture the insecurities and passion in the couple's relationship perfectly - and ever so subtlely. ( )

Not quite what I expected, I am a fan of his radio programmes and have read some of his non-fiction. A young Northern student falls in love with an older French artist, but can love conquer all their differences?

I struggled at times with this book. Could have been my mood, but I found it tough to get into and the prose indulgent at times. It is a good story, but too drawn out for me. ( )