Hang with Heather

Sibling rivalry brings family rot to surface

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FRAN Littlewood's second novel, The Favourite, is a sharp, layered family drama that dissects the fallout from one father’s split second decision.

The story unfolds over Vivienne Fisher's 70th birthday week, as three generations gather for a celebratory holiday in the countryside.

When a tree falls on day one, Patrick Fisher instinctively leaps to protect youngest daughter Eva, ignoring his older daughters, Alex and Nancy, in the process. The question - who is the favourite? - starts as a joke and quickly morphs into something darker.