Rosamunde Pilcher wrote this short and sweet novel in the late 60s, and it foreshadows her later, larger works of brilliant character studies that bely some fairly complicated plots.This particular story takes place mostly at the Cornish seaside, one of Pilchers favorite venues. It opens, however, in Paris, where the beautiful, fey, and slightly muddled Emma Litton awaits her plane back to England. Having spent many years in France as a nanny, Emma now yearns for her homeland--and the fulfillment of a desire that has obviously been with her all her life: She wishes to bond with her famous artist father, Ben.
Emmas sudden and unexpected meeting at the airport with her step-brother Cristo, whom she knew during one of Bens brief marriages, but has not seen in many years, allows us to see her needy and sensitive side, even as others observe only a hip young Sixties mod.
The remainder of the brief book takes place in her fathers studio-cum-cottage on the seaside, as Emma settles in as daughter, housekeeper, muse, and, eerily, almost as a wife to her elusive father. Will it work? Can Emma get over her childlike fantasy of being Daddys Little Girl and get on with her life? Will she notice the worthy young man whose heart she has captured? Or will she lose him too in her fruitless desire to create the family she never had?
Without the deep substance of her later books, nevertheless, this sweet Pilcher offering is well worth reading--especially when narrated by Sian Thomas, who captures the quiet, brooding tone just right.
I recommend this lovely tale to all Pilcher fans.
Ive enjoyed all the books by this author. I found this delightful story while browsing the library stacks (sorry Amazon, but libraries save me major money!).Emma strives to reconnect with her father, whose artist lifestyle provided an unconventional childhood and distant relationship. Emma is so focused on her father and "getting the relationship right", she doesnt see the opportunity for relationships with others. But as she works through this critical relationship she then is able to move on.
The author made you understand why Emma had to resolve the father-daughter relationship before she could open up to other relationships. Charming tale about understanding others and our roles in their lives and their impact in ours.
