A Family Affair

This expansive historical novel, like Saxton's earlier work ( All My Fortunes ), traces the fortunes of two neighboring families on the outskirts of London, whose connection begins with an innocent attraction between their children, Arnold Haslington and Adeline Warburton. The author covers a wide canvas; the plot travels from England to China and Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.The story line grows increasingly complex with the introduction of new characters, and details about the Haslington family's historic pottery works, but there is much to capture attention. Arnold becomes a feckless womanizer whose marriage to a dance-hall entertainer takes a surprising turn; Adeline weds an idealistic medical missionary and experiences the rigors of life in China. Their own children inevitably meet and join in their love for the family business. Many subjects--family life, sexual fulfillment, vocational choice--blend in a busy plot. (Feb.)