Recommended by The Observer . . . 'One doesn't so much read it as one is bewitched by it. Epic gorgeous haunting' HANYA YANAGIHARA author of A Little Life When it begins it begins as an opera should begin: in a palace at a ball in an encounter with a stranger who you discover has your fate in his hands . . . She is Lilliet Berne. And she is the soprano. 1882. One warm autumn evening in Paris Lilliet is finally offered an original role though it comes at a price. The part is based on her deepest secret. Only four people could have betrayed her: one is dead one loves her still one wants only to own her. And one she hopes never thinks of her at all. In taking this role Lilliet is forced to confront her darkest lies but will the truth save Lilliet - or destroy her? 'Brilliantly extravagant' VOGUE 'Terrific' NEW YORKER