The Child's Child

By: Barbara Vine

Narrated by: Finty Williams

What sort of betrayal would drive a brother and sister apart? When Grace and her brother Andrew inherit their grandmother's house, they surprise few people by deciding to move in together. But they've always got on well and the London house is large enough to split down the middle. There's just one thing they've not taken into account though: what if one of them wants to bring a lover to the house?

When Andrew's partner, James, moves in, and immediately picks a fight about the treatment of gay men, the balance is altered - with almost fatal consequences.

The Child's Child is both an intriguing examination of betrayal in families, and a taut, thrilling listen.

©2013 Barbara Vine (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Somehow lacking

This book is partially set in a similar period to "A Dark Adapted Eye", but is not nearly as good. The book combines two stories, one set in modern day, which is the superior story, and the other set in the pre and post- second world war England. One is supposed to compare and contrast the reaction of society to illegitimate children and to gay people in the two different time periods. This is a very good idea, but ultimately, the characters from the past are totally unlikeable and one finds oneself longing for the return to the present day setting and characters.

I would only recommend this for loyal fans of Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine. I would strongly suggest "A Dark Adapted Eye" if you want to buy something from her.