by Sadie Jones
First published 2013
Emerald Torrington expects an elegant twentieth birthday celebration at her family's grand estate on a spring day in 1912. The Torrington family has seen better times financially, but her ethereal mother and stepfather still maintain appearances. Emerald's younger siblings Clovis and little Smudge complete the household. The carefully planned dinner includes the meticulous young Patiente, her handsome brother, and a wealthy neighbor. Then a train crashes nearby. The family must shelter desperate survivors who disrupt their refined evening. A rough stranger arrives and joins the dinner uninvited. He clearly lacks proper breeding. Meanwhile, Smudge launches her secret project as a violent storm strikes the house. The rescued passengers grow increasingly restless from hunger and exhaustion. The Torringtons fear losing their composure during what should be a perfect social occasion. But far worse disruptions await them as the night unfolds.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, mystery, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, social-commentary
Setting: Torrington Estate, Train Crash Site
Period: 1912
328 pages · Paperback · Tusquets