Diving In

This novel is the perfect antidote to an overdose of 'Point Romance'. It is part of the Women's Press's Livewire list which aims to explore issues of relevance to contemporary young women. Colette's life is stable but unexciting, romance confined to the occasional half-hearted date with her friend Greg. During frequent visits to the swimming baths she admires Art from a distance until, to her astonishment, he asks her out. The relationship eventually leads to the issue of sex (to do or not to do) and Colette's inner struggles are accompanied by an acerbic and informed commentary from her mother on the vagaries of the male. Colette's decision not to have sex without love and commitment temporarily destroys the relationship, but when Art returns with the promise of a new beginning, the reader can only long to know what happens next. It is the realism and sensitivity of the writing which impresses most: shame about the rather garishly coloured and uninspiring cover which fails to do justice to the intelligent story within.