'The View on the Way Down is a novel that deserves to win awards as well as a huge readership. It's a wise, honest, wonderful read that marks Rebecca Wait not just as a writer to watch out for, but one to appreciate now.' Daniel Clay, author of Broken 'The View on the Way Down is deeply moving - yet unsentimental - and profound, and has a family secret at the heart of it that will remain with you for a long time after you finish reading. It is a novel that needed to be written and which will touch many people . . . a fine achievement.' Mark Gartside, author of What Will Survive 'The View on the Way Down is written with great sympathy and an aching tenderness. Rebecca Wait's evocative storytelling is alive to the tragedies and miracles of everyday life, illuminating the grey area between protecting and deceiving the ones we love.' Laura Harrington, author of Alice Bliss 'A wonderfully moving portrayal of love and pain with a mystery right at its heart. I defy anybody to read this book and not be touched in some way.' Sally Brampton, author of Shoot the Damn Dog 'Understated and compelling. I had tears in my eyes at the end.' Morgan McCarthy, author of The Other Half of Me 'Wonderfully written... highly sensitive... thought-provoking... ultimately uplifting.' Bookseller 'So compassionate, so heartbreaking. I found myself revisiting moments in this novel long after I'd finished reading it; the story wouldn't let me go.' Shelley Harris, author of Jubilee 'The writing is so lucid and poetically simple . . . the backstory is handled masterfully . . . The last few chapters build to a devastating climax, and as a reader you are caught in the undertow. It lingers with you, and for those who have suffered similar things, it echoes truth.' Guardian