I'm a big Maggie O'Farrell fan. This book is of similar style to her others. There is a mystery in a family and through both current action and flashbacks, the truth is revealed. In this particular novel, I found the stories and the secrets of the children more compelling than the disappearance of the family patriarch. Their problems and misunderstandings feel very real. INSTRUCTIONS FOR A HEAT WAVE is good, but not quite as good or as gripping as some of O'Farrell's earlier novels.
Started out a little slow, but picked up. Good insight into family dynamics, grown children, husband/wife. I've read several of Ms. O'Farrell's books now, always entertaining.
A lovely story, warm and surprising. A good read.
