A review by jgwc54e5
The Still Point by Amy Sackville

3.0

I’m finding it hard to rate this novel. It’s written in an ethereal, dreamy style which I quite liked especially early on as I was reading. The story is essentially two timelines. Firstly Emily and Edward who meet and marry around 1899. He’s an explorer and is about to head off on a return expedition to the Arctic and she’s a young woman not really suited to her time. The second couple is Simon and Julia, current day. Julia is Edwards great, great niece. I would’ve enjoyed this book more if it was Just about Emily and Edward. We learn about his expedition from the log book and his diary and also Emily’s letters that were never sent. The modern story didn’t match this earlier more dramatic plot line and I found Julia to be an insipid character. She didn’t seem very realistic to me ( although I’m sure people like her exist!). Maybe it’s a timing thing, if I’d read this book in one go rather than broken up with Christmas and family etc I’d’ve enjoyed it more. Still it’s beautifully written and an interesting insight into polar exploration and the plight of partners left behind.