SECOND PLACE PB

Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2021 A classic, but with contemporary urgency thumping through it. Claire-Louise Bennett, author of Pond 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