DATE READ: August 2013
NOTES: Ben is a
somewhat unsuccessful film scriptwriter with a failed marriage and no
money. He is thrilled to hear that multi-millionaire businessman Victor Sheldon
is keen to branch out into film production and is interested in Ben’s latest
script. A lunch meeting is set up and
Ben is amazed when Victor turns out to be a childhood friend previously known
as Jacob Hogg. Apart from the change of
name there are more subtle changes in Victor.
He seems not to be able to do enough for Ben – even inviting him to move
into his manor house and stay while he works on completing the script.
The narrative moves
back and forth from childhood to the present.
Ben has bitter memories of his rivalry with Jacob – and of Jacob’s
powerful manipulation of both adults and other children. Ben finds himself enjoying life in such
comfortable surrounding until a few things begin to niggle him. Has Victor/Jacob really changed? Does he have ulterior motives for rekindling
his friendship with Ben?
This is a slow-burn
psychological page turner as the long shadow of their childhood friendship
darkens Ben’s world as he remembers the betrayals and guilt of the past. Once I started to read it I couldn’t put it
down. The scenes involving Ben’s son
Toby and Victor’s son Marcio were really chilling.
I do have some issues
with the ending which I thought was a bit weak – I would have preferred a
firmer resolution. But Mark Mills is a
brilliant storyteller and the writing is superb throughout.
