This is a witty and perceptive book about a woman, Eliza, who is so unhappy that she begins to go mad. But the whole story is told from her perspective, so the reader is never clear whether or not the events are real or imaginary. As she is an intelligent, funny person, and we, as readers get inside her head, it is never a gloomy read. When we first meet her she is a rather irritating lady, trying to do good by her neighbours, but really annoying them in the process. When her neighbour, Joan apparently leaves her family to go travelling, Eliza writes to her asking her to come back. The letters continue, but become the narrative in journal form, and we learn all about Eliza's monotonous life in the Road, as we witness her descent into mental uncertainty. As this happens, and we get to know her, she becomes funny and loveable, i.e. the person that she really is. But there is one person who sees the true Eliza, and loves her for it. To give any more away would ruin the book. But the plot keeps you reading on, and there are surprises on the way.

I enjoyed this book. I don't like love stories - this isn't one. And, as I said, it's not miserable. I laughed quite a lot while reading it. It's tender, understanding, and clever, as well as being easy to read. Jane Gardam is a good writer. I recommend this book.