‘One of the best novels I have read this year. It’s deft, funny, poignant, surprising and beautifully shaped.’ Margaret Atwood

Mary Swann, a latter-day Emily Dickinson, submitted a paper bag of poems to newpaper editor Frederic Cruzzi mere hours before her husband hacked her to pieces. How could someone who led such a dull, sheltered life produce these works of genius? Four very different people search for the elusive answer.

‘Formally ingenious and inventive, strikingly evocative of place, of character, of the world of things, capable of both comedy and tenderness, and above all beautifully written.’ LRB

‘Clearly a work of an experienced and skilful writer. This is not only a first rate read, it is also sophisticated and ingeniously crafted.’ Listener