The news from Paraguay - Lily Tuck

A rich historical novel - part love story and part tragedy - about the Irish courtesan Eliza Lynch, and how she became mistress to one of South America's first, and most extravagant, dictators.

1854. In Paris, Francisco Solano - the future dictator of Paraguay - picks up a blue feather fallen from the hat of a beautiful woman. With this small gesture begins his pursuit of the remarkable Irish courtesan Eliza Lynch.

Captivated by a unique courtship involving a poncho and a Paraguayan band, Eliza follows Francisco to Paraguay where she reigns as his mistress. Isolated and estranged in this new world, she embraces her lover's ill-fated imperial dream - one fuelled by a heedless arrogance that will devestate all of Paraguay, and throw this European woman into a world of unprecedented privilege, ruthless exploitation and even revolution.

With the urgency of the narrative, the rich romantic detail, and a wealth of skillfully layered characters, 'The News from Paraguay' recalls the vibrant colour of Isabel Allende and the epic sweep of Mario Vargas Llosa.