PASSION

Henri has a passion for Napoleon - but Napoleon has a passion for chicken. As soldier and emperor butcher their way across Europe, glory falls to ruin and love turns to hate.

But, when Henri encounters the red-haired, web-footed Villanelle, he discovers in her an equal. Together they abandon their pasts, and flee to the Venetian canals to meet their singular destiny in the city of chance and disguises.

"A deeply imagined and beautiful book, often arrestingly so." ~ New York Times

"As moving and funny as it is skilful, and reflects the author's formidable appetite for life" ~ Sunday Times

"A book of great imaginative audacity and assurance...brilliantly physical (and funny) detail" ~ Times Literary Supplement

"Its concentrated, beautifully detailed prose recalls the diction of fairy tales; its plot incorporates their magic, their shrewd wit and brutality...a deeply imagined and beautiful book, often arrestingly so" ~ New York Times

"Lyrical prose penetrates to the heart of things... She knows how to speak plain truth and at the same time satisfy our longing for the fabulous. She's telling you stories. Trust her." ~ Washington Post