A thoroughly glorious novel. Frances Hinton leads a reclusive life with her late mother's former housekeeper. When she meets the charming Nick and his stunning wife Alix, she is so captivated by the couple that she finally steps out of her invisibility. However, Frances soon realizes that this new exciting world is not as glamorous as it seems. Brookner has an outstanding psychological insight into the wounded female soul. Flawless style and unfeigned emotions. The author was awarded the Booker Prize.