The Portrait

A Novel

De: Ilaria Bernardini

Narrado por: Justine Eyre

“Electric. A wildly astute plunge into the depths of love, rivalry, betrayal and the power of women.” - Bill Clegg

An internationally renowned writer, Valeria Costas has dedicated her life to her work and to her secret lover, Martìn Acla, a prominent businessman. When his sudden stroke makes headlines, her world implodes; the idea of losing him is terrifying. Desperate to find a way to be present during her lover's final days, Valeria commissions his artist wife, Isla, to paint her portrait - insinuating herself into Martìn's family home and life.

In the grand, chaotic London mansion where the man they share - husband, father, lover - lies in a coma, Valeria and Isla remain poised on the brink, transfixed by one another. Day after day, the two women talk to each other during the sittings, revealing truths, fragilities and strengths. But does Isla know of the writer's long involvement with Martìn? Does Valeria grasp the secrets that Isla harbors? Amidst their own private turmoil, the stories of their lives are exchanged, and as the portrait takes shape, we watch these complex and extraordinary women struggle while the love of their lives departs, in an unforgettable, breathless tale of deception and mystery that captivates until the very end.

©2021 Ilaria Bernardini. Quotation from A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Rebecca Solnit, © Rebecca Solnit 2005, reproduced by permission of Canongate Books. Lyrics from ‘Anthem’ by Leonard Coehn, © 1992 by Leonard Cohen, used by permission of The Wylie Agency (UK) Limited. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Justine Eyre narrates this intriguing audiobook about two women who share a love for the same man.... Eyre's sympathetic tone and steady pacing will keep listeners feeling empathy for the suffering of both women right through the stunning ending." (AudioFile Magazine)

“A delicious final revelation...adds poignancy to Bernardini’s portrayal of these women’s reckoning with love and loss. This engrossing outing will impress and surprise readers.” (Publishers Weekly)

“A stunning pas de deux that is enchanting, thrilling and incredibly moving.” (Marie Claire Italia)