From her hospital bed she has the leisure to take stock of her life, and frankly it doesn't look very edifying: there's the 17 year old daughter who's run off to a commune with her boyfriend; an old hopeless suitor who continues to press his claims; and of course the memory of the havoc she caused by the affair.

No doubt she could put her life back in order. But need that involve all those people who cause her so much heartache? Readers of Love and Summer and Felicia's Journey will be delighted by Elizabeth Alone. It will also be enjoyed by readers of Colm Toibin and William Boyd.

'A finely observed, gently sensitive comedy, delightful to read' Daily Telegraph

'Trevor is a master of both language and storytelling' Hilary Mantel