The majority of the action takes place in the Caribbean in the Cayman Islands, a British territory and tax haven with a large expatriate community comprising accountants and trust managers.
The story follows one such expat family, focusing on its two females. Mother Amanda realises she is falling out of love with her accountant husband David, and in love with an expat doctor, George, who provides care to the Jamaicans and Hondurans of the local community.
At the same time, Amanda's young daughter Clover and George's young son James are enjoying an innocent and idyllic relationship as best friends.
Making no moral judgements, the book slowly examines various aspects of love, how it is sparked and sustained, how it is also tested, how it can wither and die, how it can be returned or remain unrequited.
Love takes both women on a journey, emotional and geographical. The action goes offshore to Scotland, Australia and Singapore. Both women learn from each other, about each other, and about themselves.
There are no earth-shattering revelations here; this is a light, undemanding read. But although a simple tale, it is well told, and the conclusion shows love is worth holding out for and really can last forever, despite the best efforts of fate, and ourselves.
Fans and newcomers alike have the opportunity to hear McCall Smith speak at the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival in May.
- Helen Speirs is ODT books editor.
