This is another book read on the basis of its review in Planet, and so I was aware of the structure made up of two almost entirely self-contained parts, and the narrative device which links the two, that the protagonist narrators of each half have an affair. However I have a feeling these might have started as two completely separate ideas and some literary editor suggested there pairing in order to form a work of 'standard' novel length.
I was on the point of giving up on the book about two-thrids of the way through the first half, as while well written, I had come to detest the central character, Paul. This reaction was due to him being a selfish and self obsessed individual and I found it hard to be spending time with someone, inside the head of someone quiet as pathetic as him.
However I made the effort to give the second half a go, and I really enjoy this half of the book. The only problem being the temptation to shout at the book when Cora starts her affair with Paul. Having invested in Cora it is sickening to find her desiring Paul, you want to warn her about what he is really like.
The intensity of this reaction is a real testament to the quality of Hadley's writing, and I wonder if the second part would be as strong with out the insight into the character Paul that you have from the first. However I think it is worth the risk and so I would recommend that skip to Page 165 and just enjoy the second half.
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