I LOVED it. What an achievement - historical fiction at its best. It was so detailed, real and atmospheric - I felt I was there with Vita, Jacob et al. Tremendous characters - vivid, complex and inspiring . . . a truly wonderful book. One of those books that stop you doing ANYTHING until it's finished. Utterly compelling & inspiring. A sweeping story of an amazing woman battling to break through the constraints of her time. Read it! Tracy Rees