Synopsis: A big shabby Victorian suburban house, the smell of raincoats and coq au vin in the hall, the six mugs for the children slung from the kitchen dresser hooks: for destructive Paul, difficult Gina, elegant Sandra, considerate Katie, clever Roger and flighty Clare, Allersmead was the perfect place to grow up. But was it?

Now grown-up and off in different directions, one by one the children return to Allersmead, to their home-making mother and aloof writer father and a house that for years has played silent witness to the secrets of a family, and one particular secret of which no one speaks…

In her sixteenth novel, Penelope Lively shows her extraordinary understanding of what makes us human as she delves into the mystery of family life.

Buy Family Album from Amazon.co.uk

Hot Brands Verdict
A book by Penelope Lively is a special occurrence, a writer with an impeccable pedigree, she has delighted both adults and children with her prize winning novels. This book is no exception, it delivers on all levels, it is sublimely well-written. It is a thought-provoking study of family life with intriguing flashbacks and different perspectives as seen through eyes of different family members. Once started you just want to keep reading, it is an utter pleasure, a perfect summer read. Highly Recommended!