Astonishing Splashes of Colour

Astonishing Splashes of Colour by Clare Morrall When is the right time to tell someone theyre not who they think they are? A heartbreaking and accomplished debut Bookseller Caught in an over-vivid world, Kitty feels haunted by her child that never was. As children all around become emblems of hope, longing and grief, she learns the reasons for her shaky sense of self. What family mystery makes Kittty's four brothers so vague about her mothers life? And why does Dad splash paint on canvas rather than answer his daughters questions? On the edges of her dreams Kitty glimpses the kaleidoscope van that took her sister Dinah away - is it a link to her indistinct childhood? Fresh, frightening and raw. Theres nothing in the least depressing about this nevertheless sad story, certainly nothing remotely sentimental. The novel as a whole is admirably controlled and skilfully balanced Margaret Forster