Truth or fiction - Jennifer Johnston

A brilliant story of the secrets we keep.

When journalist Caroline Wallace is asked to go toDublinto meet Desmond Fitzmaurice, a literary giant of the thirties, she finds it hard to care about a writer whose star faded a very long time ago.And, although interviewing Desmond seems like a timely escape from the pressures of London, not to mention a startling marriage proposal, it's hard to believe this charming old man's past contains 'lots of sex and some violence' as he promises.But beneath the surface of Desmond's quiet life lies a story more mysterious than Caroline ever bargained for...

Jennifer Johnston is one of the foremost Irish writers of her, or any, generation. She has won the Whitbread Prize (THE OLD JEST), the Evening Standard Best First Novel Award (for THE CAPTAINS AND THE KINGS), the Yorkshire Post Award, Best Book of the Year (twice, for THE CAPTAINS AND THE KINGS and HOW MANY MILES TO BABYLON?). She has also been shortlisted for the Booker Prize with SHADOWS ON OUR SKIN.