Really really liked it. Beautifully and cleverly written. The way he tracks the evolution of a marriage and a relationship through the voices of his two main characters is just brilliantly done. It felt almost voyeuristic to watch the relationship evolve as it did. Absolutely fascinating glimpse into NZ society at the end of the 1800s. And the mark of any well-written historical fiction, it's left me wanting to know more. What an interesting family the Larnachs were.

If I was writing this review for a professional publication I would give it 4 stars, not 2. This is an excellent historical novel - the political and economic situation around the turn of the 20th century is drawn skillfully into the plot, and the social conventions of the time are brought to life in the narration.

But, I almost didn't finish this because I so disliked both Conny and Dougie. I guess that's the mark of well-defined characters, that the reader has her/his emotions activated, but I just didn't want to know them. Their justification throughout for a dishonourable affair made me angry.

"I have never had any intention to do him harm, only exercised the right to happiness myself. And surely William's state of mind is not entirely on my account. His financial affairs continue precarious; his health is failing, as is his political ambition." (Conny)

Kick a man when he's down, why don't you?!