Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Girl on the Landing by Paul Torday

The novel begins as Michael, a middle-aged man of means, is dressing for dinner at a friend's country house in Ireland. As he descends the grand staircase, he spots a small painting of a landing with a woman in a dark green dress in the background. During dinner, Michael comments on the painting to his hosts but they say there is no woman in the picture. When Michael goes up to bed later, he sees that they are correct. Thus begins a series of incidents that lead Michael to question his grip on reality.
This book was surprisingly gripping and had me guessing to the very end. Michael and Elizabeth's mundane marriage is slowly transformed by ghosts from Michael's past which at first seem to improve their relationship but eventually lead to disaster. The action takes place in London and the wilds of Scotland and is a real page turner.
Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!
Get this from the library
Reviewed by Libby @ home

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