Mrs Gulliver

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Pub Date 7 Mar 2024 | Archive Date 6 Mar 2024

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Description

'Irresistible - a funny, sexy romp that's also smart, even wise' Kirkus starred review 'Pure elegance, subtlety and wit. A triumph of a novel' - Francesca Segal, author of Mother Ship It is 1954, and prostitution is legal in the tropical haven that is Verona Island. Here, among gangsters and corrupt lawmen, Lila Gulliver runs a brothel that promises her exclusive clientele privacy and discretion. When nineteen-year-old Carità, beautiful and blind since birth, comes to her door seeking employment, Mrs Gulliver sees a business opportunity and takes a chance. Carità is mesmerising, sharp and a mystery to her employer, always holding herself at a distance. One night, the son of a wealthy judge patronises Mrs Gulliver's establishment, immediately falling madly in love with Carità. This is Ian Drohan - young, idealistic and cushioned by wealth and family connections. Mrs Gulliver mistrusts him, and worries for Carità's future. Carità, on the other hand, is fearless, headstrong and a force of nature that Mrs Gulliver is always several steps behind. A dazzling drama filled with sex, wry wit and literary references, Mrs Gulliver follows two women who have nothing to lose in their fight for agency on an island too ready to dismiss them.

'Irresistible - a funny, sexy romp that's also smart, even wise' Kirkus starred review 'Pure elegance, subtlety and wit. A triumph of a novel' - Francesca Segal, author of Mother Ship It is 1954...


Advance Praise

'The title suggests a rollicking tale and a rollicking tale is what you get, full of twists and surprises and never a dull moment. Entertainingly wild' - Karen Joy Fowler, Man Booker longlisted author of Booth

'[Martin's] writing - so prized and clean limbed - is a marvel' - Toni Morrison

'Martin's writing is a reward in itself, a wonderful precision-tool. She uses it to chisel at the human condition - and the effect is astonishing' - Financial Times

'The title suggests a rollicking tale and a rollicking tale is what you get, full of twists and surprises and never a dull moment. Entertainingly wild' - Karen Joy Fowler, Man Booker longlisted...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781800815391
PRICE £16.99 (GBP)
PAGES 304

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Average rating from 23 members


Featured Reviews

A most unusual but equally really enjoyable read. The writing is fast and furious and it is impossible at times to put the book down :) Lila Gulliver is the Madam of a brothel on the tropical island of Verona. She is a bright business woman not only managing her staff but also looking after their welfare, and this in return creates a sense of loyalty. A young attractive lady impresses Lila, and even though Carita is blind she is employed, and very quickly proves her worth to the business. However life soon gets very complex when Carita falls in love with Ian Brohan son of judge Michael Brolan…….” a dashing, fine figure of a man, confident in the power of his physical presence”......
It would be wrong to believe that clients visiting Madam Gullivers are dictating, and demanding, being wealthy does not mean that they have a right to humiliate, use, and discard the young ladies on offer. What makes this such a brilliant book is the way the author shows the reader that in reality it is the women working for, and with, and including, Lila Gulliver who dictate the shape and direction of their lives….”Men are expected to succeed, women to fail. Every woman knows the deck is stacked. In practical terms this makes it more difficult for women to succeed, but it’s more damning for men to fail. Win or lose, defying expectations is heavy going”........
This is storytelling at its best, set in the early 1950’s it brings to life the sights and sounds of a tropical island. Lila Gulliver holds the reader in awe with her beauty, and smart business acumen looking after and guiding those girls who she feels have entrusted their lives to her. Highly recommended.

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