It took me a while to get into this book, but it was worth it for the pay-off in the last third or so. One of the most emotionally affecting books I've read in a long time. I liked the way it spanned a long period of time and the references to world events over the past 40 years - I often felt quite nostalgic as I'm a similar age to several of the main characters.

Plot/compellingness 3/5
Themes 5/5
Characters 5/5
Emotional resonance 5/5
Writing style 4/5

I spent a lot of time trying to work out who was who and that slowed down me getting into/enjoying the book as much in the first third or so. In case you are having the same problem, here's a list of how people relate to each other. SPOILER ALERT though as finding this out is part of the story.

Spoiler

Mary was married to Richard.
Mary and Richard had Emma and Phoebe together.
Richard also fathered Rosie when he had an affair, she is a similar age to Phoebe. Dee (RIP) was Rosie's mum
Richard and Mary co-parented in the long term after their divorce and have lived together at various times
Michael and Phoebe have two children (Clara and Albie). Michael used to be married to Emma (!!!)
Lizzie (RIP) and Iain are friends of Mary, she is now marrying Iain.