If you're looking for a 2012 well-written literary read that is a) not depressing b) easy to read and c) thoroughly enjoyable, look no further.  If you have never picked up a book by Penelope Lively before, this is a good place to start.  And if you have--well, you won't be disappointed.  This book is about how people's lives influence one another...the changes that occur after a woman is mugged of her purse and injured.  Imagine a rippling effect, if you will.  It's a good book for anyone who thinks that his or her actions don't matter--because this book proves that they do!  Actually, it's a great book for everyone.  Penelope Lively is a spectacular British writer who has many years of writing under her belt, and she just keeps getting better.