Longlisted for the Booker Prize 2021 ''A classic, but with contemporary urgency thumping through it.'' Claire-Louise Bennett, author of Pond A woman invites a famed artist to the remote coastal landscape where she lives. Drawn to his paintings, she believes his vision may penetrate the mystery at the centre of her life. But as a long, dry summer sets in, his provocative presence soon twists the patterns of her secluded household. ''The most singular book . . . A psychodrama that is both timeless and up-to-the minute . . . Truly one of a kind.'' Justine Jordan, Guardian ''A novel of deep insight and scarring honesty.'' Martin Chilton, Independent ''Re-sets the dial yet again.'' Claire Harman, Evening Standard ''Extraordinary . . . fearless.'' Alex Clark, The Spectator ''Glittering brilliance.'' Jon Day, Financial Times