Julia O'Faolain's subtle, seductively plotted novel weaves together Ireland and Italy, romantic love and mystery...

The invitation to visit the Cavalcantis at their family villa in Tuscany arrived quite unexpectedly. But in the wake of History finals, and still shaken by her mother's death, Anne decides to go.

More then sun or a holiday, she needs to satisfy a lingering curiosity. For no lover of her own has yet been able to rival her mother's glowing descriptions of Cosimo - her ex-lover and a friend of the charming and formidable Cavalcantis.

'A stylish and entertaining love story.' Sunday Times

'A beautiful tale of family intimacy and division, secrets and confession... O'Faolain chooses her words as carefully and sensuously as ripe figs, hand-picked for the table.' Company