The Endless Sea is a tale of love, lies, betrayal, spies, beauty and hope. Zara Alam paints with a vivid brush, to create a heightened stylised world, and uses symbolism that is not only beautiful, but which also explores the psychology and internal landscape of her characters. While poetically evocative, and resonating with collective ideas and feelings, her prose is about lushness, desire, and the fullness of life. Luc drives into a deserted London during a prolonged heatwave, to start a new life and leave the past behind. But his childhood friends have secrets here that span generations,...