'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.

The newest novel from Valerie Martin, winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction

'Beguiling' The Times

'Utterly brilliant' Daily Mail

'Intelligent, quick-witted and curious' Irish Times

1954. Nineteen years old, beautiful and blind since birth, Caritá has taken control of her life by leaving home and working in Mrs Gulliver's reputed and exclusive brothel. On her first night there she meets Ian Drohan, a young and wealthy idealist who falls madly in love with her, and is determined to save her from this employment. But does Caritá need saving?

A delightful entanglement of star-crossed lovers, gangsters and chase across tropical paradise, Mrs Gulliver is an entertaining escapade of two women forging their place in the world.

The newest novel from Valerie Martin, winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction

'Beguiling' The Times

'Utterly brilliant' Daily Mail

'Intelligent, quick-witted and curious' Irish Times

1954. Nineteen years old, beautiful and blind since birth, Caritá has taken control of her life by leaving home and working in Mrs Gulliver's reputed and exclusive brothel. On her first night there she meets Ian Drohan, a young and wealthy idealist who falls madly in love with her, and is determined to save her from this employment. But does Caritá need saving?

A delightful entanglement of star-crossed lovers, gangsters and chase across tropical paradise, Mrs Gulliver is an entertaining escapade of two women forging their place in the world.