A literary page-turner. This book is not only a pleasure to read, but is greatly evocative of Britain and its culture. The first part is set in pre-war British country estate; it's followed by a harrowing section on the Dunkirk retreat. The final section is set in modern-day London. The story concerns a family torn asunder by a great mistake that one of them makes as a child; it is rendered in rich, sensuous language, and great psychological nuance. A Booker Prize finalist and winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award.  (GBR370, $14.95)