Tasting salt by Stephanie Dowrick

Work and love are at the heart of this wise, optimistic new novel from Stephanie Dowrick.

Around two immensely likeable women – Cordelia and Laurie – circulate noisy, opinionated friends, children, siblings, most of whom share their fascination with place, with creativity, with richly varied human relationships, and with vital, exhilarating questions about ‘the taste of freedom’ that underpins everything.

Cordelia is newly widowed. Laurie is the mother of two lively children. Each has known and lost love. Each is cautious.

Yet the gift of their deepening affection, and their willingness to accept the challenge of that, allows them to find a new appreciation of life, and new meaning in ageing.

From this passionate and creative friendship, and through its intense, lyrical conversations, emerges a work of warmth, in-sight, and lasting generosity of spirit.