Infidelity - Hardcover

Ferris, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 000225350X ISBN 13: 9780002253505

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1999

Synopsis

Based on a true story, the cause célèbre of its day, Paul Ferris’s atmospheric novel tells the coruscating story of sexual obsession, bigamy, amorality, and the sinister disappearance of a woman.

It is 1917. George Shotton, a marine surveyor, has escaped active service in the war but is trapped in a loveless (for him), sexless (for her) marriage to churchy, frigid May. No wonder his eye wanders – it has before. But this time, his lust will have terrible consequences.

Mamie Stuart, the object of his affections, is a girl of her time: Sunderland-born, living a louche life in London’s Notting Hill Gate, she has been ‘on the stage’ as one of a dancing troupe, showing off her legs at music-halls. George expects much more than that, but, then, so does Mamie.

Why, she wonders, won’t George marry her? (She knows nothing of May.) Why, May wonders, is George away so much? Why has he stopped pestering her in bed? (She knows nothing of Mamie.) The violent outcome which is inevitable causes waves which reach the 1960s, when a detective (with much in common with George) begins to delve into an old and ghastly crime.

About this title

Review:

Reviews for previous novels:

‘Ferris works on a broad canvas. He creates the melancholy of rogues adrift in harsh new circumstances beautifully.’
Observer

‘Ferris captures in fiery prose an impression of modern Britain in the making.’
Mail on Sunday

From the Back Cover:

Based on a true story, the cause celebre of its day, Paul Ferris's atmospheric novel tells the coruscating story of sexual obsession, bigamy, amorality, and a brutal unsolved murder. Set in the memorable past, when everything was supposed to be different, violent ghosts pervade this distinguished thriller-with-knobs-on.

It is early 1919, George Shotton, a marine surveyor, has escaped active service in the war but is trapped in a loveless (for him), sexless (for her) marriage to churchy, frigid May. No wonder his eye wanders – it has before. But this time, his lust will be fatal.

Mamie Stuart, the object of his affections, is a girl of her time: Sunderland-born, living a louche life in London's Notting Hill Gate, she has been 'on the stage'. She has even had a solo – a risqué little number called 'A little Pink Pettie from Peter' in which the punters caught a glimpse of her petticoat. George wants much more than that, but, then, so does Mamie.

Why, she wonders, won't George marry her? (She knows nothing of May.) Why, May wonders, is George always away so much? Why has he stopped pestering her in bed? (She knows nothing of Mamie.) The violent death which is inevitable causes waves which reach the 1960s, when a detective (with much in common with George) begins to delve into an old and ghastly crime.

Born in Wales, Paul Ferris is the renowned biographer of Dylan Thomas, Richard Burton, Huw Wheldon, and, most recently, Freud. His novels include 'The Detective' and 'Talk to me about England'.

Praise for Paul Ferris's novels:

"Ferris works on a broad canvas. He creates the melancholy of rogues adrift in harsh new circumstances beautifully."
'OBSERVER'

"Ferris captures in fiery prose an impression of modern Britain in the making."
Mail on Sunday

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 000225350X
• ISBN 13: 9780002253505
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272