Aristo’s Family — Raymond Nickford

Description

As the practices at Papas late-night museum staff meetings unfold themselves to Pavlos, and he wonders at what it is that his archaeologist father brings back in polythene bags from his excavations, the teenage boy is led deeper into a sinister confrontation with those unquiet souls who loom from ancient times on Cyprus in what Papas calls his family .

There is a poignant sub-plot to this novel as Aristo’s obsessive need to trace and belong to his family – even though he was told they were all burnt and left unidentifiable during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus – has estranged his English wife, and is gradually distancing his only child, while in turn, Pavlos has an increasing need to trust that he belongs to a father who once made time for him.

A strong blend of eeriness, suspense and the poignancy of lives which could be yours when driven to extremity.

Further details

Reader reviews and ratings:

"The first few chapters are atmospheric: intriguing. They made me want to keep reading. The beautifully observed characters and exotic settings have all the makings of a first class novel"

Barbara Erskine