First published 1988
William Beckwith moves through London's literary circles, balancing his aspirations as a poet with his complicated romantic entanglements. He finds himself drawn into relationships that blur the lines between mentorship and desire, artistic collaboration and personal longing. As he seeks recognition for his work, William must confront the tensions between his public persona and private yearnings. The young man discovers that the world of poetry offers both inspiration and disillusionment, as established writers become rivals, lovers, and obstacles to his own creative development. His journey through readings, publications, and intimate encounters reveals how artistic ambition shapes personal relationships, and how the pursuit of literary success can transform the very experiences that fuel his writing.
Genres: literary-fiction, 20th-century, adult-fiction, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: artistic-collaboration, mentor-mentee
Setting: London
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
Paperback · Vintage/Ebury (A Division of Random House Group)