This novel is a powerhouse. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I was about 50 pages in I was hooked. Each short story is set in a different time, surrounding different characters, yet they all seem to intersect each other. If I had to pick a lead character I would say that Rosie is the central character. She seems to be the linking character in the stories. The links are surprising and believable.

The stories deal with issues such as sexual abuse, drug use, alcohol, coming of age, growing old, friendship and family. Nothing is as it seems in the pristine looking community of Newport. Money doesn't change lives or make things better, the issues persist despite an inflated bank account.

The book is a quick and easy read, with eye opening themes. It made me uncomfortable at times due to the raw emotional content. Worth reading.