Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
In Scotland, anyone who lives near the Glendrochatt estate believes that Giles and Isobel Grant are the perfect couple, lovingly raising two children together. However, the idyllic relationship between Giles and Isobel becomes disrupted when her sister Lorna returns from South Africa to spend time with them. Lorna was once Giles' lover and has jealously decided she wants everything her sibling has, starting with her spouse. Lorna is willing to pay any price to obtain everything she desires even if that means destroying her sister, niece, and nephew in the process.
Giles and Isobel's preadolescent twin children, Amy and Edward, can sense the tension between their parents and the cause, their visiting relative. They especially resent the intrusion of their aunt on their once happy home. Also adding to the confusing of adult interplay is the machinations of artist Daniel Hoffman who wants Isobel as his.
OFF BALANCE is an entertaining complex relationship drama that works because of the hexagonal interplay among the six key players. At times, the two children with their actions and reactions to the adult muddles steal the show. Although Lorna appears as a cartoonish villain, readers will feel pity and compassion for her efforts that, in turn, allows the audience an opportunity to glimpse into the lives of some wealthy Scots.