Emily and Sam fall for each other against the odds, despite their jarring backgrounds. At first glance this seems like a fairly stock standard romance but Sloan does not let that illusion last long.

The real focus of the story is repercussion. Small actions ripple through the world and have long lasting effects. This, and also family, are the real focus of this hypnotically written novel, almost epic in its scope.

The characters are all interesting and Sloan explores events from all angles, which, although not preachy in the slightest, brought to mind the need for empathy in our lives.

Isobel Moore is from Readings St Kilda.