An exceptional novel
It's hard to believe that this is MacDonald's first novel (being a novelist myself). Beautifully written and plotted. What is most intriguing is what she leaves out, in order to circle that material back in, again and again - almost in the way that Faulkner used to circle round a story. She is able to show how the death of an individual continues to haunt and play itself out in the lives of the siblings. A most powerful book. Wonderful characters that I won't forget for a long time. Bravo, Ms. MacDonald for a job well done!