THIS MUCH IS TRUE

(Orion £7.99) There is a shade of Joanna Trollope about this book, but it turns into something much more mysterious as we ask: why doesn’t the dutiful annie love her dying husband?

some 50 years ago, annie decided to keep something secret. But that long-hidden truth starts to reveal itself when her husband — who no longer recognises his wife — is heard saying the name ‘Martha’.

This engrossing family drama examines the different psychological price paid by each of the members of annie’s family as a result of her early decision.

Part of the story’s success is the evenhanded portrayal of all the characters — there are no walk- on parts, even for the dogs. and sanderson’s subtle observations on the powerful relationship that some owners have with their pets is a big part of this book’s charm.