An exploration into the secrets of the past and their unknown influence on the future, Other People’s Children by Ben Faccini is a mesmerising novel. Travelling to far flung countries to write reports is part of Tommaso’s day job. Back home in London, living with his partner Madeline and her two sons, he is increasingly worried about his grandmother Alma – in her nineties, living alone and becoming troubled by memories of the past.
When their rented flat becomes uninhabitable, moving into Alma’s home presents the ideal solution for the blended family. Here, the troubles of the past during the Italian resistance throughout World War II combine with present-day issues in London. In a parallel symmetry, Tom is trying to navigate the relationship between his partner’s two sons at the same time as he unravels his own unknown family history full of secrets.
Reminiscence from the past projects powerful imagery, and the impeccably drawn-out, complex characters provide the ideal scenes for a vivid, emotional story. Nearly 20 years sinceBen Faccini last published a novel, it feels as if this work of fiction has been marinading, getting beneath the skin, to bring to life the magnificent storytelling.
