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A review by katheastman
Mapping The Edge by Sarah Dunant
3.0
There is a really interesting premise behind this book. One woman, Anna, a single mother living in London, ups and walks out of her life for a long weekend in Florence. You pick up her story towards the end of her time there. Initially, I was disappointed by this. The fact that the setting was Florence had been part of the attraction and one of the reasons I'd wanted to read this book, especially as it promised a modern-day take on one of my favourite cities. However, the book quickly sucked me in and I forgot this early let down (helped by the fact that Anna stayed in Tuscany!)
Interestingly, Dunant covers the story of Anna's disappearance from the viewpoint of those left behind, looking after her child, and not only dealing with the fact that she went off without a word in the first place but that she might not be coming back. Dunant also writes two parallel accounts of what happens to Anna in Italy and leaves it up to the reader to decide which of those is the truth or, perhaps more fittingly, which of those they prefer and are more comfortable with believing.
It's an interesting read, not least because of the questions it throws up about the bonds of parenthood and the ties of friendships and relationships. It also asks the reader to question how well we ever really know those we love and trust and how we can become disillusioned by them.
Interestingly, Dunant covers the story of Anna's disappearance from the viewpoint of those left behind, looking after her child, and not only dealing with the fact that she went off without a word in the first place but that she might not be coming back. Dunant also writes two parallel accounts of what happens to Anna in Italy and leaves it up to the reader to decide which of those is the truth or, perhaps more fittingly, which of those they prefer and are more comfortable with believing.
It's an interesting read, not least because of the questions it throws up about the bonds of parenthood and the ties of friendships and relationships. It also asks the reader to question how well we ever really know those we love and trust and how we can become disillusioned by them.