Escapist and completely absorbing, The Villa in Italy is the perfect, mouth-watering summer read.

Four very different people are named in a will. Delia, an opera singer robbed of her voice by illness; George, an idealistic scientist who cannot face what his skills have created; Marjorie, desperately poor and unable to dislodge her writer's block; and Lucius, ostensibly in control but whose personal life is in chaos. All are summoned to the Villa Dante, home of the late Beatrice Malaspina. But who was she?

While they wait to find out, the villa begins to work its seductive magic. With its faded frescoes, overgrown garden and magnificent mediaeval tower, it is unlike anywhere they have been before. Slowly, four characters who have gone to great lengths to hide their troubles find that change - and even hope - is possible after all. But the mysterious Beatrice has a devastating secret to reveal that will affect them all...

A beautiful evocation of Italy in the aftermath of World War Two, the personal consequences of living through such a time, and a celebration of humankind's ability to heal and learn to love again, this most absorbing novel will win Elizabeth Edmondson a host of new fans.

About the Author

Elizabeth Edmondson was born in Chile and educated in Calcutta and London before going to Oxford University. Her novels include The Villa in Italy, The Villa on the Riviera, Voyage of Innocence and The Frozen Lake, which have been translated into several languages.

Reviews

'This book's great for escaping the cold UK winter' Closer

'Enthralling...this is an enchanting read from start to finish.' Woman

'Deeply satisfying...rich and compelling. The perfect read' Oxford Times

Praise for Voyage of Innocence:
'I loved it.' Woman

'A very interesting book, not only because it gives a flavour of life in the thirties...it's a way of imbibing history.' Oxford Times

'Well written and superbly researched...a thoroughly enjoyable read. A must.' Yours

Praise for The Frozen Lake:
'Charming.' The Bookseller

'Dark family secrets, long buried,if not forgotten, bubble to the surface. A novel that is vivid and engrossing.' Choice

'An intriguing read.' Woman

Book Information
ISBN 9780007223770
Author Elizabeth Edmondson
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint HarperCollins
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 300g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 26mm