Unlike many family sagas, this book doesn't try to do too much. It does what it aims to very very well. The themes are few but haunting. the family cannot shake its destiny of historical tragedy, internal strife, missed opportunities to love. Throughout I was deeply touched with active empathy for and connection with the characters, and by extension, by lesson, with those in my own history. Forgiveness and the consequences of resisting forgiveness. Envy and it destructiveness. The voice is sometimes uneven and a few detours away from the steady building of emotion and suspense - but overall reading Jo Baker a satisfying experience in both depth and scope. Brava.