A story about growing up.

I don't know how accurate that review headline is. That's what I took out of it anyway. I suspect that this book will become a book club staple over the years, to be picked apart at length.
4 people in their 30's, 3 of them drifting along in life to various degrees and 3 of them with significant trauma in their early years. All looking for something.
The story is meticulously crafted with great attention to detail. For me, there were no flat spots - it rolled along at a very satisfactory pace and I liked how there was nothing blatantly obvious about what was going to happen next. Lots of situations where things could have gone more than one way, which I loved.
I was engaged throughout which I actually reflected on one night when I was about 7 hours in. I didn't particularly like any of the characters. That is usually a sign that I'm not going to engage and most likely not finish. But I did finish and I'm so glad that I did.
I've got over 150 audiobooks. None of them have been narrated better than this one. CW has a great voice for audiobooks, although I haven't exactly worked out why yet. I especially enjoyed the subtle touches - a little swallow during emotional speaking, a Newcastle accent becoming stronger when the speaker is at home. It's done really well. If the author doesn't feel like dealing with the pressure of expectations while grafting over novel No. 2 then I'm sure she can happily pay the bills narrating audiobooks for a while.
Buy it. See what you think. Especially recommended for couples going on a long drive - something to listen to together. It might lead to some interesting discussions.

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