A story that spans a 5 day era during
which a lifetime of reclusive routines in Lepidopterist Ginny
Stone's crumbling Victorian family home are turned upside down by
the arrival of her younger sister Vivien. Past and present unfold
in skilfully woven chapters as the reader learns about a family
torn asunder by scientific enquiry, alcohol and a desire to protect
from the truth. The reader cannot help but consider the borderlands
between eccentricity and madness, and the dark consequences of a
mind forever sheltered from social norms become steadily apparent
as the book reaches its latter pages. No diagnosis is offered but
all the clues are embedded within the narrative. A gently paced but
ultimately compelling read. Lots of scientific terminology
throughout, but informative enough to be rewarding and
appropriate.
Rachel Thomasson