Those who Serve (by Marcia Willett)

(Amazon UK link)

'Those who Serve' was the first published novel by Marcia Willett.

This book features two women called Kate and Cass. They are close friends who are very different in outlook. Kate's marriage is unhappy, yet she stays faithful to her husband. Cass, by contrast, has many affairs. She plays 'Russian roulette' as she puts it, despite having a happy family life.

The first chapter is a flash-forward to tragedy in Cass's life. This clearly overshadows the whole book.

I thought it very well-written, with believable people and subplots. There is a hopeful ending even in the midst of pain.

Recommended.

(I wrote a longer review of 'Those who Serve' in 2008, on re-reading)