Summary

Samson’s novel begins with an untitled prelude that introduces the first-person narrator, Erica Hart, reflecting in the present tense. Erica is thinking about her life more than 60 years ago when she first arrived on the Greek Island, Hydra, in 1960. Her tone is more melancholic than nostalgic as she reflects upon the people that she met on the island who are no longer in her life. Erica recalls two people specifically: Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen. In contrast to the sorrowful tone that pervades this prelude, Erica’s thoughts about these two suggest a pleasant domesticity. Samson situates the next two chapters in the past tense as Erica remembers her life in London before moving to Hydra.

Erica was nearly 18 when her mother died. Her father was domineering and abusive towards Erica, her brother, Bobby, and her mother, Constance. Neither Erica nor Bobby...