The 27th Kingdom Book

This book was rather unusual. I certainly enjoyed it but found it a little unsatisfying. We are looking at a snippet of the lives of a group of people which does not really progress much. I found all of the characters unpleasant, they had quite a cruel outlook on life, selfish and verbally unkind to each other. I disliked Kyril from almost the first page as his first action was to kick the cat. Aunt Irene was eccentric to say the least, partly living in the past. The O'Connors were a family of thieves and thugs. Major Mason is an alcoholic and unkind to his wife, she in turn is resentful because she is a cleaner for Irene. Mrs Mason only has to do this menial job because of her husband's drinking. Poor little Mr. Sirocco, lodger of the house is summarily ejected from his room and moved into an awful room in the house next door. There is no notice or consultation given by Irene or indeed any protest from him. Into this mix of very strange people Valentine arrives, a postulant at the convent where Irene's sister is superior. Valentine is quiet, calm, distant and there is something strangely different about her! There is wicked humour, the malicious actions of the characters made me think 'you can't say that' and 'how can you do that' so quite entertaining in that respect.
I just wish that there had been a little more of a climax to the story, I was left asking is that it then.