Zoje Stage

Bad apple

Your husband thinks your daughter`s an angel. You know different. Seven-year-old Hanna has never said a word. Although she knows her daddy loves and understands her - and she loves him with all her heart - she doesn`t feel she can trust her mummy. Wilful and clever, she chooses not to speak, making her thoughts clear in other ways. But her silence is putting a huge strain on her family. Suzette loves her daughter, but after years of tantrums, difficulties with babysitters and schools, and Hanna`s markedly different behaviour towards her and her husband, she starts to fear the strained time alone with her. Suzette`s health problems - precarious at the best of times - start to play up. But while her husband is sympathetic, he can`t see that his beautiful wife and adorable daughter are engaged in a silent battle.