In this powerfully atmospheric novel, Jacqueline Rose retells the story of Albertine from Proust's A la recherche du temps perdu, from her point of view. But this remarkable retelling stands on its own, needing no knowledge of the original. Instead this woman's story carries us into a a lush, dream-like world, in which a drama of passion
- suggestive & erotic, intriguing & provocative
- is played out on bodies & minds alike. The beautiful orphan, Albertine, is trapped in her lover's Paris apartment. She longs for his wealth & status, & hopes he will make her safe. Sickly & pampered, he is lured by her verve, the ease of her body, the pleasures he suspects are lurking in her past. Gradually, as they circle each other, their love starts to suffocate them both. This is a strange & captivating liaison, which starts on the wide sands of Normandy & ends in the city streets, in a hidden world behind closed doors. & as Albertine struggles to escape, her only delight lies in her free, sensual women friends. Yet even to them she remains mysterious. Can anyone answer the question
- who is Albertine?


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Highly original & magnificent in scope, Albion: The Origins of the English Imagination discovers the roots of English cultural history in the Anglo-Saxon period, & traces it through the centuries. What does it mean to be English? This dazzling book demonstrates that a quintessentially English quality can be discovered in all forms of English culture, not only in literature but also in painting, music, architecture, philosophy & science. Just as London: The Biography guided the reader through the capital city with a mixture of narrative & theme, so Albion, employing the same techniques, engages the reader with stories & surprises
- From Beowulf to King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table, via Chaucer & Shakespeare, to the Bronte sisters, Alice through the Looking Glass & Lord of the Rings Witty, provocative & anecdotal, this is Peter Ackroyd at his most brilliant & exuberant.
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After his adventures in Egypt & Mexico, Alec decides that a summer spent on the island of Crete will be a far safer option, however unbeknownst to him several young travellers have recently disappeared from the island...

A chance encounter with mysterious multi-millionaire Tobias Wolfe leads to an invitation to visit his private paradise, Candia & when Wolfe's daughter, Ariadne, slips Alec a note pleading for help, Alec can't refuse.

Trapped in Candia, Alec discovers that Wolfe's obsession with ancient Greek myths goes far deeper than anyone could have imagined



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The perfect gift for Christmas, this book

Includes:: all your favourite carols brought vividly to life with

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The perfect gift for Christmas, this book

Includes:: all your favourite carols brought vividly to life with

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