In Between Times

Starting life as a short story, In Between Times grew to become a long one in three parts. The link is Mrs Cholsey, the childminder who looks after Karen and Stacey amid nursery upheaval and is Timothy's doting mum. A glimpse into the carefree, but complicated life of the three children recalls a secure world that all of us should remember. Sharing the fun, fights, excitement and fear, this is funny in parts, with a perceptive awareness of adult and children's feelings towards each other. The story moves with vigorous energy towards what I found to be a rather disappointing ending on the last page. That apart, it's impressively full of rich humanity and vitality.