review by Babs Simpson live on show 12th July 2012
As a foundling who has spent all her life in institutions, Sophie is well trained to survive life as a scholar in an ancient boarding scool. No amount of homework, however, can prepare her for meeting and falling hopelessly in love with Lucas. Wealthy, Jewish and an exotic contrast to the rough-edged boys she has grown up with, he draws her into a tangle of forbidden passion which seems doomed to end in disgrace.
But Sophie's other, surer love affair is wth education. She succumbs to the glamour of learning and the beauty of the place in which she finds it, but she also learns other, tougher lessons in the world beyond the school's high walls, about class, families, mother-love and of the havoc they can wreak.
This is a truly memorable book. Sophie is an engaging, difficult but sympthetic heroine and the writing is of such quality that all the characters are vividly drawn and totally believable. I love Patrick Gale's books and cannot wait to read more. Very satisfying and worth-while.
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