Description
Book SynopsisWITH AN INTRODUCTION BY A.S. BYATT
When eleven-year-old Henrietta arrives at the Fishers'' residence in Paris, little does she know what fascinating secrets the house itself contains. Henrietta finds that her visit coincides with that of Leopold, an intense child who has come to Paris to be introduced to the mother he has never known. In the course of a single day, the mystery surrounding Leopold, his parents, Henrietta''s agitated hostess and the dying matriarch in bed upstairs, come to light slowly and tantalisingly.
Trade ReviewA compelling story, inspired with a deep insight into human nature * Times Literary Supplement *
Her most atmospheric book . . . very eerie and richly descriptive * Daily Telegraph *
It seems like [Bowen] is writing pretty conventional novels, they have chapters, they seem to be about recognizable people in recognizable situations, but the syntax of her sentences is completely baroque, they double back on themselves, they twist into cubist sculptures... She's someone who's had a huge influence on my work -- Lauren Elkin * Paris Review *
