The most recent novel by Margaret Drabble, The Sea Lady tells a story of first and last love, of evolution and the ebb and flow of time that gives shape to our lives.

Humphrey and Ailsa meet as children by a grey, northern sea. Humphrey is quiet, serious – and will in time explore the sea’s mysteries; Ailsa is angry, a freckled cobra ready to strike. Yet they fascinate one another and when they meet again years later they fall briefly – and disastrously – in love.

Half a lifetime passes before Humphrey and Ailsa’s paths finally re-cross. What will each make of their past? And of the future?