This is a book that certainly deserves its place on the shortlist for the ‘Women’s Prize for Fiction’. There is so much that shines through in this book – even if it is a rather intense and difficult read at points. It will certainly take any reader some time to digest.
What struck me the most about this book was the use of the word ‘paradise’ and how, in fact, everything present in this book, for all the characters, is the complete antithesis of ‘paradise’.
Two women, Lala (a native of Barbados) and Mira (a wealthy holiday maker), are both living in ‘paradise’. However, their lives both take tragic turns at the hands of the same man. These women are not as different from each other as they would both think.
This is a story about the choices we make, the impact those have on the future, and the lengths people will go to – and the strength they have to survive.
This ia really well-written book, which is incredibly engaging. When books tackle tough topics, it is always difficult to think you ‘enjoy’ them, but this is a book I certainly appreciate.
Please be aware that there is quite a number of potentially triggering topics covered in this novel.