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