In the Spanish port of Algercira, Maurice Herne and Charles Redmond, longtime aging partners in crime, await the appearance of Dilly, daughter of Maurice. Each person who leaves the ferry is surveyed and some are questioned thoroughly, particularly those around her age and/or leading a dog or two. It is an evening in October 1918 and as the hours drag on they begin to delve into their pasts, much of it shared while dealing in the smuggling of drugs. It is marked not only by the accumulation of wealth but also of violence, romance, betrayals, and many absences, by Maurice from his wife and daughter. Maurice thinks fondly of the only woman he really loved, Cynthia, Dilly's mother, remembering the happy days they had. When he recalls finding Charlie in bed with his wife and knifes him in the knee.
As they wait, Dilly appears stealthily, observes and listens to their conversation. They are not certain the young woman pulling a suitcase is Dilly as it is many years since they have met. Bantering back and forth as to her identity, she disappears and they never learn if this young woman was indeed Dilly. Dilly tells her mother about her experience. They are so old but much the same she observes.
The book is filled with color of the places of their past and the port itself. It's an easy read as much of it is written with exchanges between the characters. Interesting approach with a sense of being there listening and observing, as Dilly did.
As they wait, Dilly appears stealthily, observes and listens to their conversation. They are not certain the young woman pulling a suitcase is Dilly as it is many years since they have met. Bantering back and forth as to her identity, she disappears and they never learn if this young woman was indeed Dilly. Dilly tells her mother about her experience. They are so old but much the same she observes.
The book is filled with color of the places of their past and the port itself. It's an easy read as much of it is written with exchanges between the characters. Interesting approach with a sense of being there listening and observing, as Dilly did.
