A short, lush novel about sex, second chances and taking control in a man's world

'Irresistible - a funny, sexy romp that's also smart, even wise' Kirkus starred review ' Pure elegance, subtlety and wit. A triumph of a novel' - Francesca Segal, author of Mother Ship It is 1954, and prostitution is legal in the tropical haven that is Verona Island. Here, among gangsters and corrupt lawmen, Lila Gulliver runs a brothel that promises her exclusive clientele privacy and discretion. When nineteen-year-old Carità, beautiful and blind since birth, comes to her door seeking employment, Mrs Gulliver sees a business opportunity and takes a chance. Carità is mesmerising, sharp and a mystery to her employer, always holding herself at a distance. One night, the son of a wealthy judge patronises Mrs Gulliver's establishment, immediately falling madly in love with Carità. This is Ian Drohan - young, idealistic and cushioned by wealth and family connections. Mrs Gulliver mistrusts him, and worries for Carità's future. Carità, on the other hand, is fearless, headstrong and a force of nature that Mrs Gulliver is always several steps behind. A dazzling drama filled with sex, wry wit and literary references, Mrs Gulliver follows two women who have nothing to lose in their fight for agency on an island too ready to dismiss them.

"Irresistible - a funny, sexy romp that's also smart, even wise" - Kirkus starred review

"Martin's writing is a reward in itself, a wonderful precision-tool. She uses it to chisel at the human condition - and the effect is astonishing" - Financial Times

"Valerie Martin is a fleet-footed writer; you never quite know where she'll go next" - Observer

"The generosity of Martin's understanding opens every character to the full, astounding range of human possibility. Her revelations build mesmerizing excitement, a surprising kindness, and an unexpected sanity in the darkness" - Washington Post Book World

"An enrapturing and ruthless storyteller, Valerie Martin possesses a predator's ability to mesmerize her prey . . . Martin's tales of betrayal, obsession, connivance, and failure put the firepower back into art" - Chicago Tribune

"Martin is a vibrant force in American fiction" - Times New Orleans