Instances of the Number 3

There are many interlocking triangles in this novel from the author of word-of-mouth triumph Miss Garnet's Angel. Centrally, there's the threesome formed by Peter Hansome, his wife Bridget and his mistress Frances. When Peter dies, Bridget and Frances form an uneasy friendship, joined by the enigmatic Zahin, whom Peter had latterly befriended. Each of the main protagonists is themself the centre of their own threesome; and each has multiple aspects to their character - thus there's Peter as husband and lover, and also a ghostly Peter who watches over his loved ones and eventually manifests himself to Bridget. And overlaying all this are the Trinity and notions of heaven, hell and purgatory, with which Peter had become increasingly fascinated before his death, taking instruction in Catholicism from Father Gerard. Despite this very carefully structured plot, the book is never heavy-handed. Vickers's voice is firm but subtle, ironic and measured, the strongest emotions often conveyed in tones of great restraint. This is a book that engages the intellect as much as, if not occasionally more than, the emotions, but there is plenty to savour in this highly original novel. (Kirkus UK)