Emma Neale — Night Swimming

Vintage 1998 Paperback, 196pp. 'I think I saw Jenny today. A hemisphere away and fifteen years later.'But could it be the same person that Marie now sees, the friend with whom she thought she would face all the uncertaincies of adulthood. The friend who disappeared. This chance sighting in a railway carriage takes Marie back through the years to try to understand what happened to her best friend and why. In facing the past she is forced to confront her own fears and admit that running away is not always the answer - although for some it might be impossible to run far enough. Intriguing, moving, vividly portrayed and beautifully written, this is a stunning first novel dealing sensitively and assuredly with the complex issue of comming of age. Previous owner's nameplate inside. (ISBN: 9781869413767). Good.