Overview

An exquisitely sensual novel of art, absence, loss and passion, from one of Britain's most exciting contemporary writers. Moving between Italy and England, the lives of four people intertwine across half a century: a dying painter considers the sacrifices and losses that have made him an enigma;

An exquisitely sensual novel of art, absence, loss and passion, from one of Britain''s most exciting contemporary writers.

Moving between Italy and England, the lives of four people intertwine across half a century: a dying painter considers the sacrifices and losses that have made him an enigma; a blind girl tries to make sense of a world she can no longer see; a landscape artist finds himself trapped in dangerous terrain, and a young woman embarks on a dangerous affair of darkness and sexual abandon.

''Affords the deepest pleasures fiction has to offer.'' Nadeem Aslam
''This deeply sensual novel is what you rarely find -- an intelligent page-turner.'' Sunday Telegraph
''Elegant and poetic . . . Captivating.'' Marie Claire
''A brililantly written study of small and large artistic triumphs.'' Tatler