The Past: ‘Poetic, tender and full of wry humour. A delight.’ - Sunday Mirror

Rivalry, unruly desire and ugly secrets poison a family holiday in Tessa Hadley’s latest novel

Rivalry, unruly desire and ugly secrets poison a family holiday in this gripping novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Late in the Day.

‘Few writers give me such consistent pleasure’ Zadie Smith

Four siblings meet up in their grandparents’ old house for three long, hot summer weeks. But under the idyllic surface lie shattering tensions.

Roland has come with his new wife, and his sisters don’t like her. Fran has brought her children, who soon uncover an ugly secret in a ruined cottage in the woods. Alice has invited Kasim, an outsider, who makes plans to seduce Roland’s teenage daughter. And Harriet, the eldest, finds her quiet self-possession ripped apart when passion erupts unexpectedly.

Over the course of the holiday, a familiar way of life falls apart forever.

‘Exquisite’ The Times

‘Wonderful’ Guardian

‘Magnificent’ Sunday Times