In a quiet Surrey village sits Leventree, an architectural practice set up by idealistic couple Florence and Arthur Mayhood, offering apprenticeships to young offenders after their release. Motivated by his own memories of Borstal, Arthur aims to mentor young adults with a troubled upbringing and give them opportunities to succeed.
Their first protégées are siblings, Joyce and Charlie Savigear, who quickly settle in; but when a dangerous figure from Joyce's past comes knocking, the Mayhoods' earnest hopes of doing good turn tragic. Forced into betrayal, Joyce must make a decision that will change her brother's life and threaten everything the Mayhoods have been trying to build.
A sinister and thrilling story that unpicks the tendrils of power and choice, lies and truth, and dire consequences borne of good intentions.
***PRAISE FOR BENJAMIN WOOD***
'A novelist to watch' - The Times, on A Station on the Path to Somewhere Better
'A resounding achievement . . . Rich, beautiful and written by an author of great depth and resource' - Guardian, on The Ecliptic
'Exhilarating, earthy, cerebral, frank and unflinching . . . A masterfully paced and suspenseful read' - Independent, on The Ecliptic
