After swapping an apartment in the city for an isolated woodshed in the countryside, a writer reflects on the complex relationships she’s had with the men of her past. There’s Xavier, her elderly ex-partner, with whom she shares a long-standing romantic connection but little desire for, and two of her former A-level teachers; one has written her letters about his fondness for her novels, and the other has reappeared through memories of their 'dealings' together. Narrated through prose that hops from third to first person, the author of the stunning debut novel ‘Pond’ (which was shortlisted for the Goldsmith Prize) and ‘Checkout 19’ (which was shortlisted for the Goldsmith Prize) approaches emotional connection with beautiful honesty and unorthodox attention to detail. Although stories tend to be repeated, and details are obsessively examined, they add to the unfiltered reality of holding on, letting go, and finding comfort in solitude. IM

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Fitzcarraldo Editions