"Among Ruins" is the story of Laura, born to a wealthy family and enjoying the lifestyle of the landed gentry - until her father gambles away their vast, legendary Northumberland estate one evening on a billiard table. Laura and her family move away, but she remains haunted by an abusive incident she suffered on the grounds as a child. She moves to London as a teenager and embarks on an affair with a much older, well-known artist. But as his infatuation grows, Laura's lessens, and she finds herself becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol and eventually heroin...with dramatic consequences. Much more than a coming-of-age story, "Among Ruins" explores Laura's attempt to find significance and esteem as her father succeeds in losing his own. It is a compelling exploration of what happens when life unexpectedly starts to spiral out of control, and Harriett Vyner explores both of their turbulent experiences with extraordinary honesty, elegance and wit.