Freya

Quinn is one of those rare male authors who manage to construct a convincing female character: in fact all of his characters are well drawn, interesting if not always likeable, memorable and plausible. Quinn captures the mood and characteristics of the passing decades: the forties, fifties and sixties are the backdrop to the story in terms of changes in culture and the law, especially in relation to homosexuality and the challenges facing women journalists. Quinn knows the settings of his story exceedingly well: London and Oxford are brought to life in minute detail, the visits to Nurembourg and Florence are vividly realistic Freya has humour and pathos, holds the reader's attention through the changing world from VE day to the swinging sixties, always keeps the central character of Freya to the fore whilst ensuring the reader is intersted in what is happening to the cast of supporting players, all of whom have a role in Freya's journey. This book is well paced, varies locations and cameos, the attention to detail keeps the reader in the mindset of the times, the story combines cynicism with a determined confidence in the future.

Such a great book, so evocative of the time and place, and a great exploration of the lives of two women.