​Memoirs are too often judged only by the power of the story. Tom’s story is powerful and moving all right, but also as beautifully written as any literary fiction. Aftershocks is Tom's first book but she began her career as a print journalist, in New Zealand, and it shows - in a good way. Arresting imagery, compelling characterisations and a driving narrative are contained within a swirling structure that beautifully captures the circular and  fragmentary nature of memory. Remarkably, though, Aftershocks remains an 'easy' read. Tom's prose is clear and purposeful; [...]