When Rebecca was young she enjoyed classical music and was delighted to inherit her German- Jewish grandmother's cello. She proved adept and earned a scholarship to the London Conservatorium. However, away from family and friends she loses her way and fails her first year. She has decided that she wants to form a band and play modern cello music. On her return she sets her sights on New York. She and her boyfriend Toby move there. For Sarah it is an opportunity to meet her grandmother's sister and found out more about their young life. Her great aunt is a Type 1 diabetic like Sarah and a bond is formed.
The story moves between several time frames including her grandmother's early years travelling from Germany, to New York, to New Zealand.
This is Laing's first novel and it is very accomplished. This is the second novel I have read of hers and again I really enjoyed her writing. I hope she is penning another although I see she has turned to graphic novels. ( )