Secret Relations: A Novel

by Annabel Dilke

From the author of The Inheritance ---called “psychologically reminiscent of John Cheever” by the Washington Post ---comes this story of love, family, and the unbridled passions that so frequently set them at odds. Charlie, Kitty, Max, and Liza are first cousins and lifelong friends. Charlie is an aspiring barrister, Kitty is expected to marry, Max is too spoiled for his own good, Liza too ambitious. They belong to the vast St. Clair clan, a distinguished and wealthy power in the land, where judges and QC’s rub shoulders with black sheep and eccentrics, and where, above all, weakness is frowned upon. But the family is not as secure as it seems. Foolish business decisions rock its finances; a bitter and public divorce unsettles its stability. And when two of the cousins declare their love for each other, this threatens to destroy the family’s very foundations and reveal a tragic secret that has lain buried for over half a century.

Genres: Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this. Neither the writing nor the story seemed particularly compelling to me, and after a hundred pages, I just decided there were other books I would rather read. Just not for me, I suppose.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once I had got my head round who was related to who (fortunately there is a handy family tree at the front) I quite enjoyed this relationship tale.

[Lady B of house Sefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dreadfully boring. Supposedly set in the 1980s, it's comes off more like the 1880's. Very little plot, vapid, selfish characters and cousin on cousin romance.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a quirky read and once I got in to it and remembered who all the characters were I really enjoyed it. It's set in the 70s and the St Clair family learn the lesson that keeping a stiff upper lip usually results in tragedy. I found the characters very interesting and eccentric and felt they had a lot in common with members of my family! It was reasonably well written but isn't the best book I've read.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really a strong 4-1/2!!

[Tyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read about a large family and their interconnected/intertwinned life. I found it slow in the beginning but it got better as the story progressed.

[Lara]

Not a great read. I stayed with it hoping it would come to something, and I'm afraid it didn't!!