Sarah Butler reminds us we can live at any age, including when elderly. This is a poignant, realistic, sobering, humorous and moving story about a couple in their 90s, married for 70 years. Though Jack and Bet are set in their ways, change IS possible which partly comes in the way of a young Romanian woman Jack meets at a cafe. Marinela seems unusual in that she speaks to a person so much older than her, a person who is largely ignored. A friendship is formed and soon she spends time with the couple.

Jack and Bet live their mundane routine lives in their dull flat, both content yet not. They feel this is their lot. But memories and secrets are not forgotten and Bet's secret is a big one, a life-changing one. Marinela, too, has secrets. And Jack reflects on regrets and choices and remorse. Tommy, their son in his 60s, encourages his parents to move into a care home but they adamantly oppose as they are not yet "crippled". The casual book follows them through the ordinary and extraordinary bits as they wrestle with secrets and the decision to move. What and where is home?

Considering the topic, I obviously did not expect this book to be riveting and action packed. It developed slowly which was in keeping with the story (a good thing). However, something about it wasn't for me. It left me unfilled, wishing my connection with it was greater. Though I really liked the book I didn't fall in love with it but you very well might. It's appeal is great. One needn't be any particular age to read this as there is a span of generations in the characters.

My rating is 3.5 stars.

My sincere thank you to Pan Macmillan Picador and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this unique book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.