Description

Book Synopsis

An electrifying debut novel about art, solitude, family, and faith in a world without it

In 1967, the dancer Marta Becket and her husband were traveling through Death Valley Junction when they came across an abandoned theater. Marta decided it was hers. She painted her ideal audience on its walls and danced her own dances until her death five decades later.

In the present day, Gia has ended a relationship and taken a leave from her job in film studies at a university. She is sleeping fifteen hours a night and ignoring calls from her mother. In a library archive, she comes across a photo of Marta Becket and decides to write her a letter. Soon Marta magically appears in her home.

Gia hopes Marta Becket will guide her out of her despair. But is Martathe example of her single-minded, solitary lifeenough? Through precise, vivid vignettes, Bitter Water Opera follows Gia as she resists the urge to escape into herself and struggles to form a lasting connection

Bitter Water Opera

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    A Paperback by Nicolette Polek

    £13.60

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    RRP £16.00 – you save £2.40 (15%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 23 Oct 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Graywolf Press
      Published 4/16/2024
      ISBN-13 9781644452837
      978-1644452837
      ISBN-10 1644452839

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      An electrifying debut novel about art, solitude, family, and faith in a world without it

      In 1967, the dancer Marta Becket and her husband were traveling through Death Valley Junction when they came across an abandoned theater. Marta decided it was hers. She painted her ideal audience on its walls and danced her own dances until her death five decades later.

      In the present day, Gia has ended a relationship and taken a leave from her job in film studies at a university. She is sleeping fifteen hours a night and ignoring calls from her mother. In a library archive, she comes across a photo of Marta Becket and decides to write her a letter. Soon Marta magically appears in her home.

      Gia hopes Marta Becket will guide her out of her despair. But is Martathe example of her single-minded, solitary lifeenough? Through precise, vivid vignettes, Bitter Water Opera follows Gia as she resists the urge to escape into herself and struggles to form a lasting connection

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