In Muriel Spark’s brilliantly dark novella, a search for adventure, sex and the obsessional experience turns into a journey of self-destruction.

After having been driven to distraction by working in the same accountants’ office for 16 years, Lise flies south in search of passion and adventure.

She leaves everything behind her, transforms herself into a laughing, garishly dressed temptress and flies abroad on the holiday of a lifetime.

And so her fate is sealed. Infinity and eternity attend Lise’s last terrible day in the unnamed southern city that becomes her final destination.

Muriel Spark’s 1970 novel was one of the six books shortlisted for the Lost Man Booker, in 2010.

Published by
Penguin Modern Classics
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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 Public Image