'I am living on the white-washed island of Ibiza with my friend Catherine Shuger, a sculptor who has been declared legally insane, and her husband, Ernest. Standing on the terrace, sheltered in the smell of oranges and eucalyptus, washed in sunlight, you'd swear this was a paradise. But to tell the truth the place is full of dangers.

You see, Catherine sometimes tries to kill her husband. It has been this way for years...

My name's Amanda Wordlaw. Wonderful name for a writer, isn't it?...

I guess I'm sort of a choice companion for the Shugers - professional watcher and listener that I am. It's like they need someone else to witness the shit, the spectacle they make of themselves.'

The new novel from a major voice in American literature - exploring artists in exile, dangerous relationships and the demands of creativity.