"Ralph and Anna Eldred live in the big Red House in Norfolk, raising their four children and devoting their lives to charity. The constant flood of 'good souls and sad cases', children plucked from the squalor of East London streets for a breath of fresh countryside air, hides the growing crises in their own family, the disillusionment of their children, the fissures in their marriage. Memories of their time as missionaries in South Africa and Botswana, of the terrible African tragedies that have shaped the rest of their lives, refuse to be put to rest and threaten to destroy the fragile peace they have built for themselves and their children." "This is a novel that asks the most difficult questions. Is there anything one can never forgive? Is tragedy ever deserved? Can you ever escape your own past?"--BOOK JACKET.
Hilary Mantel
Hilary Mantel is an award-winning British writer known for her historical fiction novels. She is best known for her Thomas Cromwell trilogy, which includes "Wolf Hall," "Bring Up the Bodies," and "The Mirror and the Light." Mantel's works are characterized by their richly detailed historical settings, complex characters, and intricate storytelling. She has been praised for her ability to bring history to life and challenge traditional narratives. Mantel's contributions to literature have had a significant impact on the historical fiction genre, earning her two Booker Prize wins and cementing her place as one of the most respected writers of her generation.