BY THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A THEATRE FOR DREAMERS

LONGLISTED FOR THE DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD 2017

An Observer Book of the Year

'Brilliant, tender and beautiful' ANDREW O'HAGAN

'A dark, sexy little masterpiece' JOJO MOYES

'An addictive, cleverly structured and intriguing relationship story of lies and flawed communication' SUNDAY TIMES Book of the Week

'Entices you to revel in its languid, beautifully written prose while demanding that you turn the page to discover the secrets it holds ' OBSERVER Paperback of the week

Julian's fall begins the moment he sets eyes on Julia. Julia is married and eight years Julian's senior. Ignoring warnings from family and friends they give up all they have to be together. Their new life offers immense happiness, especially after their daughter Mira is born. But when Mira becomes terrifyingly ill, it is impossible for Julia to conceal the explosive secret that she has been keeping at the heart of their lives.

Polly Samson is the author of two short story collections and two previous novels. Her work has been shortlisted for numerous prizes, translated into several languages and has been dramatised on BBC Radio 4. Her novel The Kindness was named Book of the Year by The Times and Observer. She has written lyrics for four Number One albums, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

pollysamson.com @PollySamson