Second Place

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