MUCH of the mystique seems to have been taken out of adoption.These days, when adoption is less common than it used to be, the subject is treated more openly and files are usually available to those who want to delve into their past. But should they?

In her latest novel, Brother and Sister, Joanna Trollope examines what happens when two people in their late thirties who have been brought up by the same parents but born to different mothers start to unravel their past.

As usual, Trollope is at her best when writing about families and family matters. The bond between the adopted brother and sister is strongly portrayed and their different ways of approaching looking for their mothers beautifully charted.

It is difficult with Trollope not to be greedy and devour Brother and Sister at one sitting. But try and take time to savour the delicious writing and dialogue.

Brother and Sister is published in hardback by Bloomsbury at £16.99.