Book details

The American

(A Very Private Gentleman)

Author: Martin Booth

The American

The American

$11.99

About This Book

From the Booker shortlisted author of Islands of Silence and The Industry of Souls comes a fascinating portrait of a man with a double life and a dark trade.

Page Count
288
On Sale
09/10/2010

Book Details

Part thriller, part character study, part drama of deceit and self-betrayal, The American (A Very Private Gentleman) shows Martin Booth at the very height of his powers.

The basis for the 2010 action-packed film starring George Clooney!

The locals in the southern Italian town where he lives call him Signor Farfalla--Mr. Butterfly: for he is a discreet gentleman who paints rare butterflies. His life is inconspicuous--mornings spent brushing at a canvas, afternoons idling in the cafes, and evening talks with his friend the town priest over a glass of brandy.

Yet there are other sides to this gentleman's life: Clara: the young student who moonlights in the town bordello. And another woman who arrives with $100,000 and a commission, but not for a painting of butterflies.

With this assignment returns the dark fear that has dogged Signor Farfalla's mysterious life. Almost instantly, he senses a deadly circle closing in on him, one which he may or may not elude.

Imprint Publisher

Picador

ISBN

9781429980722

Reading Guide

In The News

“Haunting, shocking, and tense, Booth's story is a charismatic blend of psychological thriller, vivid drama, shocking morality tale, and profound psychological study. His writing is crisp yet lyrical, simple yet intelligent. Readers looking for thought-provoking literary fiction can't do any better than this.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Booth constructs his most focused, tightly written novel to date, reminiscent of William Trevor's classic Felicia's Journey and the late Patricia Highsmith's Ripley novels.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Beautifully detailed...exquisite.” —Kirkus

About the Creators

The American

The American

$11.99