Description

Every artist is an unhappy lover. And unhappy lovers want to tell their story.

Ex-tax collector and author of two unpopular novels Bradley Pearson wishes to devote his retirement to writing a masterpiece. But the doorbell and the phone keep ringing, and every ring brings with it an ex-wife, a friend in need, a sister in trouble or a young woman seeking a teacher. And so, dusty, selfish Bradley is plunged into the muddles and mysteries that will end in his doom.

‘A source of wonder and delight’
Spectator

‘Her humour is all the more achingly funny because she keeps it on the edge of our vision’
Daily Mail

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY SOPHIE HANNAH

Publisher Review

Iris Murdoch's marvellous, heroic novel...A gloriously rich tale * The Times * This is great Murdoch. It rings as clear as The Bell...her humour is all the more achingly funny because she keeps it on the edge of our vision * Daily Mail * A source of wonder and delight...No summary can do justice to the rich intricacy of character and incident with which Miss Murdoch crowds every page * Spectator * The best all-round novel that I've read. It's a brilliant crime novel and a love story that's beautifully written -- Sophie Hannah * Daily Express * Murdoch is at the height of her powers in this novel, combining a complex plot with a heartrending analysis of the meaning of love * Good Book Guide *