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Undue Influence

Exploring the complexities of love and desire

Anita Brookner author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:2nd Jun '16

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Undue Influence cover

Claire Pitt finds herself drawn to Martin Gibson, a widower whose complexities challenge her understanding of love and ambition in Undue Influence.

In Undue Influence, we meet Claire Pitt, a 29-year-old woman navigating the complexities of love and relationships. Claire is single but not inexperienced, which sets the stage for her attraction to Martin Gibson, a former academic. Martin is married to a captivating yet manipulative woman who is an invalid. As Claire and her friend Wiggy are pulled into Martin's life, the dynamics of desire and ambition begin to unfold, revealing the intricacies of human connections and the hidden motives that drive them.

The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Martin's wife passes away, opening the door for Claire to envision a future with him. However, her excitement is tempered by the realization that Martin is a more complex individual than she initially believed. As Claire begins to make plans, she grapples with her own misconceptions and the reality of Martin's character. The story delves into themes of longing, ambition, and the often blurred lines of influence in relationships.

Undue Influence explores the tension between aspiration and reality, highlighting the enigmatic nature of human connections. Claire's journey is a reflection on the choices we make and the unforeseen consequences that can arise from our desires. With its rich character development and insightful commentary, this novel captivates readers, prompting them to consider the true nature of influence in their own lives.

How can anything be so funny and so sad both at once? Every sentence is an object lesson in compression and wit. * Tessa Hadley on A Start in Life, Guardian Summer Reads, 2015 *
All of Brookner's novels are great, but this is one of the best . . . Brookner, though acclaimed, deserves more excitement, more rapture from us. Hotel du Lac and the Booker Prize were a long time ago, and it's not her fault if she has bloomed equally brightly every year without fail. I think we're taking her for granted if we don't jump up and celebrate this book right now -- Julie Myerson * Independent on Sunday *
Her technique as a novelist is so sure and so quietly commanding. * Hilary Mantel, Guardian *

ISBN: 9780241977828

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 14mm

Weight: 159g

224 pages