1954 and Mila and her mother Magda leave London for a long-neglected and isolated house in a Cornish valley looking for a fresh start. All Mila wants, is to create a safe and happy home for her daughter Janey. Magda meanwhile, has loftier ambitions, imagining the house restored to its former glory and hosting glittering parties. It appears though, that the house has had an eventful history and not all of the local community are happy to welcome the newcomers. Rumours of a white hare seen running through the woods reveal local superstitions and mistrust – for some it is a bad omen, for others a blessing. That new start might prove to be more difficult than they thought…
Jane Johnson’s vivid, atmospheric writing transports you to the cool valleys and bluebell woods of Cornwall. Threads of local folklore and history, cleverly woven through the plot and around the characters, add a magical yet believable layer. A well written and enjoyable yarn.
Thanks you Head of Zeus for our reading group review copies.
Overall score: 7.4
Range: 6 – 8.5
