Secret Relations

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Something missing - Rated
I read this book based on its reviews and Amazon recommendations, but somehow I was disappointed. The writing is keenly insightful in places and the story, as it unravels, is totally believable and yet... something is missing. I found I was reading some passages more than once because I was unsure what the author meant or who was actually speaking in the text, and despite the fact I hadn't a clue what the outcome of the story would be I found myself unimpressed when I reached its conclusions. I didn't really connect with the characters due to the style of writing but on the other hand I can appreciate that the author has some talent. It just lacked punch for me. I found my mind wandering as I was reading but then some passages would really make sense as patterns of behaviour were detailed. The typical stiff upper lip and don't talk, don't think, don't feel rules were operating in abundance in this family. If all this sounds contradictory, then that's exactly what it is. I can't say I didn't like this novel, but the way the author expresses herself is simply not to my taste.

Dazzling - Rated
After "The Inheritance" which I read in english and in a superb german translation, I am captivated by the new Annabel Dilke novel "Secret Relations". It is a deeply moving family saga about four young posh people, their wishes, troubles misfortunes. I hope those young people will be better parents than their own were and their girls will not aim at marriage as the highest goal in their life.
A. Dilke explores with empathy and penetrating insight the expectations of the parents, the story is richly detailed and made my heart ache as she unfolded the characters.
"Secret Relations" is breathtaking work of fiction which brilliantly evokes the lifes, hopes and dreams of the young upper english class of a few decades ago.

Read it and weep - Rated
A huge fan of Dilke, I loved her tale of the fall from society of an aristocratic family in The Inheritance, Secret Relations delivers even more. Dilke manages to combine beautiful writing with the lure of turning the page. Like the Inheritance, a deft balance between tragedy and comedy runs through the book. I became absolutely attached to the characters - and felt, with the wonderful empathy that Dilke creates, that in many ways I was reading about my own family, I hope that Dilke is busy writing another novel, as I was dreadfully sad to put this one down.

Superb family saga - Rated
This story of four cousins in a grand pushy family beginning to come apart at the seams is really wonderful. I loved 'The Inheritance' and think this is even better. The author is great on dialogue and atmosphere and though she can be dark she can at the same time be so funny. It's the kind of book that makes you forget all your problems. I didn't want to say goodbye to her characters, even the not so nice ones. I'm already looking forward to her next book.