The novel flits between the perspectives of these characters and others and although it covers just five days, it is slow to build. But the climax is well worth the wait ... Has its limitations. Some of the characters feel like stereotypes ... I closed Albion with a delicious sense of uncertainty.
An ambitious novel, in scope and implication, and it begins promisingly. The scene is very well set ... This is a difficult topic, and it is here unsatisfyingly handled. The engaging – if over-numerous – family dramas and flawed cast of characters are all overshadowed ... As a conclusion it feels bland and seamless, which was surely not the intention.
The plot slows down in spots—so many characters, so many backstories—and dialogue sometimes sounds more like editorials than conversation, but when the Brookes gather (along with a few surprise guests), sparks fly, and shocking secrets are dug up as Philip, in his handwoven willow casket, is put in the ground. Privilege has its own problems, and this engaging novel brings them to life.
