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I'd read the blurb and reviews for this book and was really pleased when Netgalley and the published selected me to review it. And I am glad I have read it. This review is my own opinion of the book and I have not been paid to review it.

Where to begin? Well this is on the face of it a story of an American woman, Anna, living as an ex-pat in Switzerland. She's married to a Swiss man called Bruno and has 3 children, Victor, Charles, and Polly-Jean. At one level this is an explanation of life in Switzerland and the behaviours of the Swiss, from the eyes of an ex-pat. I've visited and the descriptions of the country and the towns is very accurate. I don't necessarily know a lot about Swiss demeanour or language but I am aware they speak a different dialect of German - Swiss German - which can be difficult to understand. Anna struggles - she takes German lessons to try and fit in better and recounts very visits to grocers and attempts to speak the language, but doesn't feel accepted.

She is generally unhappy with her lot in life. And her husband and his mother, Ursuala, have noticed and she's told to get psychoanalysis. I understand this was an important aspect of the novel but it didn't quite mesh with me and I skim read the dream analysis bit, especially after half-way through the novel. She's not necessarily that happy in her marriage either, and frequently leaves her children with the MIL whilst she ponders her life.

We are also told of ex-pat parties and get a glimpse of a different life. Anna and Bruno are particularly likeable characters and each appear to exist in their own bubbles, especially where these parties are concerned. In her German lessons she actually finds she is capable of speaking German and also finds friendship in the form of Mary, another ex-pat, but who is happier with being in Switzerland and the family life she has there. In the class is also Archie, a Scot. Knowing looks are exchanged between Anna and Archie and an affair quickly ensues.

We find that this isn't the first affair for Anna, and maybe this is partly the reason for her unhappiness? It's not necessarily clear. We, the reader, are left to decide, and decide, I suppose, if we think this is appropriate behaviour.

One thing after another happens and when tragedy strikes Anna's world unravels. The end of the book is rather abrupt and we are left to decide what happens next. I enjoyed this read, it's very well written, but I think there are unanswered questions.