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