Bagnold masterfully balances a leisurely style with a suspenseful story line. Her writing is unhurried but forward-moving, thorough but uncluttered. The author unfolds scenes, introduces numerous characters, and blends vivid action with quiet contemplation without ever becoming dull.

Her figurative language is realistic and maintains an awareness of the link among human, animal, and plant life.

Down-to-earth, frank, and honest, Bagnold is also sensitive and poetic; without being sentimental, she remains tender and humane. In portraying characters, she does not tell readers what to feel or how to react; she presents her story and lets the events, dialogue, and character reactions speak for themselves.

Bagnold's writing benefits from the sense of enjoyment she brings to it; her interest in and knowledge of her subject translate into the enchantment of her audience. Her readers cannot but feel that she poured all her mind, heart, and creative memory...