"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
'Dazzling... a first novel of originality and, yes, beauty' The Times
'A richly drawn cast of twisted characters... lyrical... beguiling' Vogue
'Kate Howard's marvellous debut novel creates a seething, sensual idiom entirely its own. Exquisite, earthy, witty - this is a book of rare beauty, about beauty. In this intensely-imagined, elegant and erudite novel, the story of a 16th century Italian woman's quest for beauty springs vividly to life' Wendy Wallace, author of The Painted Bridge
'A historical novel in the old fashioned style... deliciously complex and intelligent' Essie Fox, author of The Goddess and the Thief
'Richly drawn historical novel' Sheerluxe, Summer Reads 2016
'Brilliant... kept me guessing until the end' Lisa Cox, Nudge
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. First Edition. In this exquisitely dark debut, Kate Howard delivers a stirring tale on the cost of beauty, packed with suspense and period detail worthy of Kate Mosse, Jessie Burton, and Tracy Chevalier.Cursed from birth by the bird-shaped blemish across her face, Flavia spends much of her life hidden from the outside world. Lonely and alienated even from her family, she sabotages her sisters wedding in a fit of jealous rage and is exiled to serve in the convent of Santa Giuliana. Soon she finds that another exile dwells in the convent: a former Venetian courtesan named Ghostanza whose ostentatious appearance clashes with the otherwise austere convent and sparks gossip throughout the town. When Ghostanza claims Flavia as her ornatrix-her personal hairdresser and handmaid-Flavia is pulled into a world of glamor and concealment where admiration is everything and perfection is the ultimate, elusive goal. And she soon finds that with beauty in her grasp, in the form of the poisonous but stunning white lead cerussa, Flavia will do anything to leave her marked face behind.Rich in description and character, Kate Howards stunning novel is painted against a vivid historical landscape with themes and characters relevant today, tackling issues of belonging, female identity, and the perception of beauty. Seller Inventory # DADAX1468313827
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. ** ADVANCE READER'S EDITION PAPERBACK!! Marketing Campaign info on back! Great Collectible! ** New Book. Lightest of shelf/storage wear. 'Nt Fr Sle' marking on cover. May have bookstore-related stamps/stickers/marks. SHIPS WITHIN 24 HOURS! Free Tracking & Insurance! Premium Carrier processing & USPS final delivery for an average of 3-5 Day Standard & 2-3 Day Expedited! FREE INSURANCE! Fast & Personal Support! Careful Packaging. No Hassle, Full Refund Return Policy!. Seller Inventory # mon0000596813