I've just finished this book. It's an extraordinarily difficult story, but so beautifully and tenderly told by Sophie Laguna.
In 1953 Laurence Loman is a bright ten year old boy who lives in country Victoria with his war widowed mother and eight year old brother Paul. Laurence is a capable young boy and caring toward his mother and brother. He also has a natural aptitude for painting.
A man enters the family's life and a great betrayal occurs leaving Laurence broken and sad. The years follow into Laurence's adulthood and despite his loneliness he creates beautiful art and has a loving heart. But Laurence emotionally knows little of love and is at great risk of repeating what was done to him as a boy.
I had a knot in my stomach for most of this book. In the beginning chapters I delighted in the portrayal of young boyhood, although I knew this idyll could not last so I felt a constant sense of dread. In the chapters that followed I was anxious by what might occur, knowing that Laurence would be unable to cope with adversity of any sort.
It's a difficult and sad book, but filled with great beauty. Sophie Laguna's writing is supreme.
Not for everyone and a warning for survivors of abuse.
Until next time peace and love.
