Secrets and Shadows [Paperback]

This book is the long-awaited followup (not really a sequel) to Off Balance. Off Balance is one of my favorite books--a superb evocation of the challenges of living with a disabled child, as well as a vivid portrayal of the characters inhabiting the world of Glendrochatt. I have been eagerly awaiting a follow-up for a long time, particularly interested in the resolution of the trouble Lorna, Isobel's sister and a sufferer from borderline personality disorder, planned to inflict on Isobel and Giles. This book does indeed resolve the Lorna-Isobel-Giles triangle, albeit a trifle facilely. So from that point of view, I very much enjoyed the book, and can now relax about the fate of Isobel (about whom I cared enormously) and Giles (who has gotten away with some very meretricious conduct without a whole lot of trouble to himself).

Otherwise, this novel is not as strong as Off Balance or Picking Up the Pieces, Mary Sheepshanks' (Nickson's) two best books, or even as riveting as A Price for Everything, Facing the Music, and The Venetian House. But it is still very worth reading--Mary Nickson (Sheepshanks) is so much more worth reading than most other novelists that even when she is not at her best, her books are still head and shoulders above the common herd.

I would love more books to come out of this excellent author, who should receive a whole lot more attention than she gets.

This book is pitched as 'three women and three uncertain futures' however upon reading the book it is far more than a story of three women. This to me is the story of Glendrochatt and the draws of the Scottish landscape that brings a conclusion either good or bad to the three main women protagonists in this book. Mary Nickson, cleverly entwines that magnificent landscape and the nature of Scotland into a lovely story.

Glendrochatt is an old Scottish home which has been turned into a successful arts centre and theatre used by the locals but also used as a place for workshops to be held and for many who want to discover a new skill. The creative writing workshop that Marnie, seeking something out from a legacy she has been left and Louisa, wanting to find herself and her next path in life, more exciting than her current one have joined for the week, throwing them together with some eccentric characters.

John Smithson a retired Colonel wanting to write the military history of his regiment, Morwenna, trying to find how to make her gardening column far more appealing to her new editor, Stanley who does not believe that he can be taught anything as he knows it all and his ever suffering wife Win, who is the one who has the talent between them. Bunty, stuck in childhood and wishes to continue writing for children, and absorbing what their world is like and the mysterious Christopher who hasn't really said much in his application and spends time avoiding the past.

Christopher becomes involved in the triangle between himself, Louisa who he has previously met and he is conscious of his past being revealed unceremoniously and Marnie, a rather spiky social butterfly but someone who intrigues him and also someone who he finds he can talk most openly and candidly about his past to.

Glendrochatt's owners Isobel and Giles have their own personal issues to deal with whilst running such a successful arts centre, their twins are very different and the boy has some issues which cause their lives to be very difficult. The arrival of five year old Rory opens up old wounds of misdemeanours in the past when relationships are put to the test, not just in a marriage but also between siblings.

Jealousy is a strong theme throughout this book, Stanley is jealous of his wife Win's creative writing skills. Louisa is jealous that Christopher who would have been an easy target to have a fling with in the past, finds herself knocked back as she watches romance blossom between him and Marnie. Marnie is jealous of everything and everyone and has no trust either. Throughout the book glimpses are seen where she slowly starts to understand but the smallest thing sets her back. Isobel is jealous of Rory; it is quite clear who his father is and how perfect the little boy is when her own boy is anything from perfect in some people's eyes. Lorna, Isobel's sister is the strongest candidate for jealousy all her life she has lived in the shadow of her younger sister and would like nothing to come out on top for a change. As a reader one can only hope she doesn't as she has nothing of the spirit and warmth of Isobel.

It was only reading the previous review that I found there was an earlier book which features Glendrochatt and I am intrigued to read the back story of how this wonderful place is set up. I hope there is room for a sequel from 'Secrets and Shadows' as the place has so much potential. This is one of those books that leaves you with warmth as you are curled up reading it and could easily be transferred into a drama suited for that Sunday evening slot that is always filled with dramas featuring magnificent landscapes in Scotland.

Well written. Enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. Will look for more books by this author