The Portrait: From the author of THE GIRLS ARE GOOD

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'A gripping story of love, death, art and deceit' -Sofka Zinovieff, author of Putney

An internationally renowned writer, Valeria Costas has dedicated her life to her work and to her secret lover, Martin Acla, a prominent businessman. When his sudden stroke makes headlines,her world implodes; the idea of losing him is terrifying. Desperate to find a way to be present during her lover's final days, Valeria commissions his artist wife, Isla, to paint her portrait -insinuating herself into Martin's family home and life.

In the grand, chaotic London mansion where the man they share - husband, father, lover - lies in a coma, Valeria and Isla remain poised on the brink, transfixed by one another. Day after day, the two women talk to each other during the sittings, revealing truths, fragilities and strengths. But does Isla know of the writer's long involvement with Martin Or that her husband had chosen Valeria for the years ahead Amidst their own private turmoil, the stories of their lives are exchanged - and as the portrait takes shape, we watch these complex and extraordinary women struggle while the love of their lives departs, in an unforgettable,breathless tale of deception and mystery that captivates until the very end.

'A stunning "pas de deux" that is enchanting, thrilling and incredibly moving.' Marie Claire Italia

Reviews

'as brisk as an easterly breeze . . . A thread of deliciously dark humour is woven into this involving web of performances and fictions; Bernardini is good on the magical thinking of grief, too. Not all will swallow the final twist, but it's nonetheless a salutary reminder that we are players in others' stories, even as we are consumed by our own.' - Stephanie Cross, Daily Mail

'Italian novelist Ilaria Bernardini's English language debut is a nuanced exploration of love, grief, deceit and secrets....This is an affecting story that brings to mind Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels.' - Culturefly

'This rich, seductive novel unfolds over a series of sittings in the London home where Martin lies in a coma. The question of how much Isla really knows adds suspense to a riveting story rich in feeling and humour.' - Hephzibah Anderson, Irish Mail on Sunday

Author Bio

Ilaria Bernardini is a bestselling Italian author and screenwriter. Her work has appeared in magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. The Portrait is her debut English-language novel. Ilaria splits her time between Milan and London.