The Tree and the Flood is a first novel of unusual distinction. Its impact as a good, straight adventure story is immediate and arresting. Written with style and verve it calls to mind the writing of Iris Murdoch. The characterisation is vivid and sensitive, the writing poignant and evocative, and above all Sally Griffiths tells her intensely exciting story with panache and drive.

A family of adult brothers and sister, their adopted sister and her husband and small daughter, are holidaying after the death of their parents on an island. The estates are run by the elder brother, Anthony, who has lived there with his sister, Frances. Anna, the adopted sister, is determined to cut down the old willow tree which for Anthony is a symbol of his parents and family solidarity; he has always disliked Anna. While one day he is absent, she organizes the rest including Lawrence, a family friend who is a failed priest, to cut it down. It is then that things start to disintegrate.

So brief a resume can give no hint of the power and depth of this remarkable novel. Mrs Griffiths has contributed short stories to many literary magazines. Her first book introduces an exciting new talent to a much wider public.