I was looking for a book that was different from the ones I’ve been reading now. I don’t know what I wanted but I knew I didn’t want to read anything that was similar to my “usual” choices. So I read this book, which is definitely different but still extremely enjoyable.
This story takes place right after world war I in Britain. Lucy and her husband, David, have been invited to Farthing House by Lucy’s mother for a weekend party. However, during the party, Sir James Thirkie, a prominent politician is left murdered with a yellow star of David pinned on his chest and suspicion falls on David, the only Jew there. The family calls for Scotland Yard Inspector Peter Carmichael, who soon finds out that there is more to this murder than may meet the eye. As secret affairs and murder plots come to light, Inspector Carmichael finds it harder and harder to believe that David is the culprit. But with politics at play, will justice be served?
When I first started reading this novel, I had no idea it would be so complex. It is told in 2 voices: that of Lily, David’s wife, and Inspector Carmichael; the difference in tone and speech between these 2 is astonishing and brilliantly executed. Reading it from Lily’s perspective, the story seems light and almost comical at first but as the story gets more and more intricate, the naivety of Lily’s voice makes the plot darker than ever. Inspector Carmichael’s voice is that of true justice; he is a man that always believes that truth and justice should conquer all evil, making him easy to like. The direction of the story was one I would never have imagined and the other messages on human nature that eventually become revealed, well, I certainly wasn’t expecting that! I’m looking forward to reading the next books in this series because it was THAT good! Please give it a try, I’m sure you will enjoy it immensely!
