Sex and genius - Conrad Williams

In Michael Lear's estimation, James Hilldyard is Master of the British novel. Calling on this contemporary genius at home in Italy, Michael is disappointed not to acquire permission for the TV profile he wants to produce, but is bafflingly offered a job as the great man's literary secretary instead. This break from his rackety London media life seems just what Michael actually needs - until a captivating actress comes to town, followed by a pack of Hollywood hounds sniffing at her heels, all trying to get the film rights on Hilldyard's as yet unpublished novel. It is unpublished not just because Hilldyard believes 'adaptation of any decent novel is vandalism' but because he cannot face the terrible secret about himself contained in it. SEX AND GENIUS is set on that high plane where creative genius and the Hollywood System carry out their big gun fights. Williams knows the territory well and he plays out his drama there with thoughtfulness yet panache.