Second Place

Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2021

‘A classic, but with contemporary urgency thumping through it.’
Claire-Louise Bennett, author of Pond

From the acclaimed author of the Outline trilogy, a fable of human destiny and decline, enacted in a closed system of intimate, fractured relationships.

A woman invites a famed artist to the remote coastal landscape where she lives. Drawn to his paintings, she believes his vision may penetrate the mystery at the centre of her life. But as a long, dry summer sets in, his provocative presence soon twists the patterns of her secluded household.

‘The most singular book . . . A psychodrama that is both timeless and up-to-the minute . . . Truly one of a kind.’ Justine Jordan, Guardian

‘A novel of deep insight and scarring honesty.’ Martin Chilton, Independent

‘Re-sets the dial yet again.’ Claire Harman, Evening Standard

‘Extraordinary . . . fearless.’ Alex Clark, The Spectator

‘Glittering brilliance.’ Jon Day, Financial Times