Eva Rice, daughter of famous lyricist Tim Rice, has penned a charming book in the fine tradition of Nancy Mitford.
Set in the 1950's England, The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets, is the enchanting coming-of-age story of Penelope Wallace.
Penelope lives in a vast but crumbling family home called Milton Magna Hall. Her mother, widowed at a young age, is beautiful and difficult, while her brother, Inigo, is obsessed with Elvis Presley.
Penelope is befriended by the confident and glamorous Charlotte Ferris, and her world widens to encompass Charlotte's Aunt Clare and enigmatic cousin Henry.
I love Eva Rice's writing style - so simple and elegant - and the way she (seemingly) effortlessly evokes the time period.
It is one of those delicious reads that you finish and want to turn over and begin all over again...
Rating: 4/5
Like this: Try: I Capture the Castle by Dodi Smith
Extra! Eva Rice's new book is scheduled for release in April 2008. It's called The Dragonfly Summer and I, for one, can't wait.
