Description
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.
‘Pure elegance, subtlety and wit. A triumph of a novel’ – Francesca Segal, author of Mother Ship
