Moving & enlightening

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Stephanie Butland states that she is proud of this, her fifth novel- and she deserves to be. I’ve read several of her other novels, which I really enjoyed , and yet again she has surprised me by writing a very different, challenging story.
At first I really wasn’t taken by the subject matter. I’ve never considered myself much of a feminist, and am a bit of an iPhone photographer, but this book made me look twice at myself and forced me to recognise that things I take for granted as a woman have not necessarily been the norm IN MY OWN LIFETIME!
The structure was fascinating and varied. It has facts about photography; comments on intriguing, unsettling and significant events over the years between 1968 and 2018, and also moves clearly between two different timelines.
The characters have depth, and even if Leonie is not particularly likeable for much of the novel, she is credible. I liked observing the development and role reversals in Leonie and Vee’s friendship and ultimately how Vee’s personality strengthens from the shy young photographer she was until ultimately she is guiding Erica..
The final chapters of the novel tie up all ends satisfactorily and compassionately. I was left feeling moved and enlightened.