As you might expect from the author of The Hours, By Nightfall is beautifully written and is full of literary references and nods. Set in modern day New York, Peter Harris is a relatively successful, middle-aged art dealer, married to Rebecca, an editor of a cultural magazine from a good Southern family. They live in a trendy apartment and from the outside all is well. Sure, there are communication issues with their daughter, particularly from Peter's side, but it's the arrival of Rebecca's younger brother - a drug-taking, charming drifter that is the catalyst for this story. The classic outsider shaking things up.
It's a book about art, relationships, beauty and middle age angst. It's thought-provoking, tender and very readable. However, without giving any plot details away, I never bought into the central dilemma in which Peter finds himself. I believed in everything else about him, but this one, critical central part. However, that aside, it's excellent, intelligent read. It's also one of the most unpretentious books set in the world of modern art.
It's also quite a "slow burner" so if you are not gripped in the first few pages, keep going because it will draw you in.
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