A rising movie star begins to believe in her own meticulously manufactured public image in Muriel Spark’s cautionary tale of fame and identity.

Spark chooses Rome, ‘the motherland of sensation’, for the setting of her story. Up-and-coming star Annabel Christopher (known to adoring movie fans as ‘The English Lady-Tiger’) carefully cultivates her public image. But she then makes the fatal mistake of actually believing in it. This crucial error and her embittered husband, a spectacularly unsuccessful actor, catch up with her, and her final act is only the first shocking climax. Further surprises await…

Shortlisted
The Booker Prize 1969
Published by
Macmillan
Publication date
Muriel Spark

Muriel Spark

About the Author

Muriel Spark was born in Edinburgh. A poet and novelist, she also wrote children’s books, radio plays, a comedy and biographies.
More about Muriel Spark

Other nominated books by Muriel Spark

Loitering With Intent
The Driver's Seat