Much of the novel's power comes from the way it juxtaposes hubbub and quietness. A vase stands "in the heart of the house alabaster smooth cold holding the still distilled essence of emptiness silence"; outside preparations for the afternoon's revelry gather pace. Mrs Swithin's thoughts rustle through her mind frequently confusing and eluding her and as she tells her brother proving hard to verbalise:"'We haven't the words we haven't the words' Mrs Swithin protested. 'Behind the eyes; not on the lips; that's all.'-BBC Culture