The story spans one hundred years, telling the tale of Arctic explorer Edward Mackley as it is discovered by his great-grand-niece Julia, riffling through the letters and papers she has unearthed in the family home one hot, lazy summer. Edward had vanished in his endeavour to reach the North Pole, leaving behind a young wife who had put her life on hold in the determined belief that he would eventually return. Two generations later, as Julia discovers secrets previously hidden within the tragic story, her own marriage looks perilously close to collapse.

It is an astonishingly beautiful book. There are the obvious contrasts of the icy Victorian landscape and the stifling heat of the present day, but the descriptions are incredibly vivid and the language is stunning. Yet it is not obviously, or self-consciously, so; it is a 'good read' compelling you to keep turning the pages, not wanting to put the book down. You enjoy the gentle pace, wallowing in the mood and atmosphere, and enjoying the journey to the conclusion. Ultimately you reach the final page and want to start all over again.