Description

‘Irresistible – a funny, sexy romp that’s also smart, even wise’ Kirkus starred review

‘Pure elegance, subtlety and wit. A triumph of a novel’ – Francesca Segal, author of Mother Ship

It is 1954, and prostitution is legal in the tropical haven that is Verona Island. Here, among gangsters and corrupt lawmen, Lila Gulliver runs a brothel that promises her exclusive clientele privacy and discretion. When nineteen-year-old Carita, beautiful and blind since birth, comes to her door seeking employment, Mrs Gulliver sees a business opportunity and takes a chance. Carita is mesmerising, sharp and a mystery to her employer, always holding herself at a distance.

One night, the son of a wealthy judge patronises Mrs Gulliver’s establishment, immediately falling madly in love with Carita. This is Ian Drohan – young, idealistic and cushioned by wealth and family connections. Mrs Gulliver mistrusts him, and worries for Carita’s future. Carita, on the other hand, is fearless, headstrong and a force of nature that Mrs Gulliver is always several steps behind.

A dazzling drama filled with sex, wry wit and literary references, Mrs Gulliver follows two women who have nothing to lose in their fight for agency on an island too ready to dismiss them.

Publisher Review

The title suggests a rollicking tale and a rollicking tale is what you get, full of twists and surprises and never a dull moment. Entertainingly wild — Karen Joy Fowler, Man Booker longlisted author of Booth I adore Valerie Martin, and Mrs Gulliver is no exception. Pure elegance, subtlety and wit. A triumph of a novel — Francesca Segal, author of Mother Ship Irresistible – a funny, sexy romp that’s also smart, even wise * Kirkus starred review * Praise for Valerie Martin — : Martin’s writing is a reward in itself, a wonderful precision-tool. She uses it to chisel at the human condition – and the effect is astonishing * Financial Times * Valerie Martin is a fleet-footed writer; you never quite know where she’ll go next * Observer * Few have written so surprisingly, so convincingly as Valerie Martin about sexual obsession and the perverse twistings of the human heart — Margaret Atwood [Martin’s] writing – so prized and clean limbed – is a marvel — Toni Morrison Valerie Martin is one of the best novelists we have — Jane Smiley The generosity of Martin’s understanding opens every character to the full, astounding range of human possibility. Her revelations build mesmerizing excitement, a surprising kindness, and an unexpected sanity in the darkness * Washington Post Book World * An enrapturing and ruthless storyteller, Valerie Martin possesses a predator’s ability to mesmerize her prey . . . Martin’s tales of betrayal, obsession, connivance, and failure put the firepower back into art * Chicago Tribune * Martin is a vibrant force in American fiction * Times New Orleans * Refreshing and completely different – I loved it as soon as I started reading. I love how Valerie Martin writes and was totally engrossed by the story of these strong unconventional women and the men they vanquish – so thought-provoking, so quirky, so well realised — Sabine Durrant, author of Sun Damage