Published by Sinclair-Stevenson, London; 1995. 8vo. 219pp. **Signed by the author** First edition, first impression. Condition: Near Fine/Fine.
Bound in original blue cloth boards with the title in silver to the spine. The binding is square and tight and free from marks, with just a little bumping to the corners and spine ends. Inside, the pages are clean and bright with no signs damage or blemishes. There is just some minor toning, and spotting to the edges. The book is flat signed by the author to the title page.
This lovely book is housed in its original first issue dust jacket, which is in equally smart condition. It is bright and vibrant with no marks or damage to speak of, save a touch of bumping to the corners and spine ends.
In all, this is a beautiful example of this first edition, all the more so signed by the author. In this novel, Johnston surpasses her usual unrivalled ability to conjure up a situation, or relationship, with a hint or a few phrases. Intriguing, unexpected, in the end deeply moving, this is a remarkable novel. It tells the tale of Stella, who meets an illusionist, Martyn, on the train and later wishes she hadn't. Or did she really wish it so? Her life might have been simpler, but then she might never have become a novelist, or witnessed Martyn's extraordinary illusions, or felt the anger deep down. Was it merely a love story, indeed an infatuation, which ended in tragedy, or was that altogether too neat? (blurb)