It is 10 years since Julia followed her father to Burma, seeking answers to his mysterious and sudden disappearance and discovering a stunning story of intense love, loss and suffering.

Julia is now a successful New York lawyer but recently separated from her partner. When she is distracted in important business meetings through hearing a voice in her head which challenges her choices in life, she is forced to consider revisiting Burma.

Returning to the country which brought her insight and wisdom through the powerful story-telling of her half-brother, Julia finds the answers to questions poised by the voice in her head as well as a beautiful and tragic story of a family broken by war. She may also have found her future.

This is an enjoyable and intriguing read which follows the formula of its prequel, 'The Art of Hearing Heartbeats'. There is the same journey from America to Burma, seeking answers. There is the same storytelling by a wise Burmese individual, telling a tale which becomes increasingly more significant.

I am a little saddened the author wanted to write this sequel to 'The Art of Hearing Heartbeats'. This isn't a bad book, indeed it is charming, but it does not have the depth of emotion or connection as the first book. Nu Nu's story is tragic, affecting and moving, but it is viewed from a distance, unlike the tale of Mi Mi and Tin Win in 'Heartbeats' which was so beguiling and engrossing.

For anyone who has read 'Heartbeats', this will be a pale successor. For anyone who hasn't read 'Heartbeats', they may be puzzled by the obscure references to the story which infuse this one. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful book, with a powerful sense of place, which leaves the reader wondering on the universal consequences of love, loss, suffering and forgiveness.