Undue Influence

People are mysterious. And they do reveal mysterious connections. But sometimes one is merely anxious to alter the script. It was not the first time I had been guilty of a misapprehension.

At twenty-nine, Claire Pitt is single but not inexperienced. Attracted to Martin Gibson, a former academic married to a beautiful, manipulative invalid, she and her friend Wiggy are drawn deeper into his world. When Martin is widowed, Claire sees a possible future for herself and begins to make plans. But Martin is both more and less than he appears, as Claire is about to discover...

Brookner's deep perceptiveness, understated with and uncompromising realism make Undue Influence both comforting and dazzlingly funny.
Evening Standard

A joy to read.
Daily Express

Beautifully crafted. A masterpiece. In the Chekhov league.
Daily Mail