After a bit of a slow start the book suddenly came alive for me and grabbed me like the tentacles of an octopus, it drew me in and I became totally immersed and invested in it. This is the story of two women in the same place at two very different periods of time. We meet Anna Dale first, in the small town of Edenton in 1939/40 where she has been commissioned by a government department to paint a mural for the Post Office. She’s from New Jersey and though not liberal by today’s standards it certainly is when compared to Edenton where views are firm and entrenched. She encounters sexism, prejudice, discrimination and attempts to control her but also conversely life saving kindness. Our second character is Jordan Christopher who in June 2018 is serving a year in prison for a DUI. To her confused delight she can leave prison early if she accepts certain conditions one of which is to restore the badly decayed mural. This commission has been given to her by recently deceased well known black artist Jesse Jameson Williams and she has to complete the task by August. The story is told in alternate storylines by Jordan and Anna and what unfolds is at times magical, at others shocking and horrifying and so it takes you on an emotional journey.

There is a lot to admire in the storytelling and the unlocking of the mystery surrounding the mural. I love the art elements and seeing the mural reveal itself a bit at a time is fascinating. I love the dual storytelling too and this flows from one character to the other very well and gives you a feeling of suspense. Though at times it is perhaps overly detailed there are some wonderful visual images that make Edenton and the characters come to life in front of your eyes. The power in the writing lies in the characters who whilst they aren’t all likeable they are so real. Anna and Jordan are women to admire. They are truthful, honourable, creative and bold. Jesse and Jesse’s family draw you in with their warmth and give you a protective hug. Oliver who helps Jordan at the gallery where the mural will be displayed, is a character you could fall in love with oh, so easily. Some of the characters from 1940 have ugly hate in their hearts and the racial divide is well portrayed and has the power to shock.

The book has so many layers and elements to it and all the ingredients of a good novel. There’s the puzzle and mystery surrounding the mural and working out why Anna painted what she did, there’s a huge mystery surrounding her and what happens in the town while she is there, there is intrigue, there’s bigotry, plenty of shocks, some horror, there’s fear and sorrow but there’s also truth and love, learning to trust again and letting go of the past, reconciling to it in order to recover and move on. Though the end is perhaps a bit contrived I really like it as after the emotional rollercoaster it’s the ending that readers crave and need. The epilogue in which the author explains about Edenton is absolutely fascinating.

Overall, a terrific read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Easy 5 stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for the ARC.