Borders Book Group

Jan has been dying for six years, bringing his unhappy marriage with Annemieke to an end in middle age. Their sons have given them one last gift, a holiday in the Caribbean. Dorothy and George have also been given a holiday, by their granddaughter - their first and probably last trip overseas. In the rain of Bexhill-on-Sea, two weeks at a beach resort seems irresistible.

Alone together, in perfect surroundings, they are unable to escape their troubles, until a few chance events - a disappearance, an assault and a man called Bill Moloney - allow them to make something out of the ashes of their love.

This is a different love story - about how there's seldom a 'happily ever after', but sometimes a chance to redeem a life together half-lived.

LONG-LISTED FOR THE MAN-BOOKER PRIZE, 2004

Winner of the BETTY TRASK PRIZE, 2004