Sweet Caress by William Boyd
Amory's first memory is of her father standing on his head. She has memories of him returning on leave during the First World War. But his absences, both actual and emotional, are what she chiefly remembers. It is her photographer uncle Greville who supplies the emotional bond she needs, and, when he gives her a camera and some rudimentary lessons in photography, unleashes a passion that will irrevocably shape her future.
A spell at boarding school ends abruptly and Amory begins an apprenticeship with Greville in London, living in his tiny flat in Kensington, earning two pounds a week photographing socialites for the magazine Beau Monde. But Amory is hungry for more and her search for life, love and artistic expression will take her to the demi monde of Berlin of the late 20s, to New York of the 30s, to the Blackshirt riots in London and to France in the Second World War where she becomes one of the first women war photographers. Her desire for experience will lead Amory to further wars, to lovers, husbands and children as she continues to pursue her dreams and battle her demons.
In this enthralling story of a life fully lived, William Boyd has created a sweeping panorama of some of the most defining moments of modern history, told through the camera lens of one unforgettable woman, Amory Clay. It is his greatest achievement to date.
Format: Paperback | 464 pages
Dimensions (cm): 23.4 x 15.3 x 3.5 | 702g
Publication Date: 01 Sep 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication City/Country: London, United Kingdom
Language: English
Edition Number: 1
ISBN10: 1408867982
ISBN13: 9781408867983
Condition: Good
A book that has been read but is in good condition. Very minimal damage to the cover including very minor scuff marks, and a crease on the top-left corner of the back cover, but no holes or tears. The majority of pages are undamaged with no creasing or tearing, no pencil underlining of text, no highlighting of text and no writing in margins. There are very minor, tiny, faint blotches and smudges of discolouring, which can only be seen on the book's block when book shut. No missing pages.