Second Place

''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