From Oxford during the dark days of the Second World War to contemporary London, this is Alan Hollinghurst's intimate novel about sexuality, art and family secrets.
In October 1940, the handsome young David Sparsholt arrives in Oxford. A keen athlete and oarsman, he at first seems unaware of the effect he has on others – particularly on the lonely and romantic Evert Dax, son of a celebrated novelist and destined to become a writer himself. While the Blitz rages in London, Oxford exists at a strange remove: an ephemeral, uncertain place, in which nightly blackouts conceal secret liaisons. Over the course of one momentous term, David and Evert forge an unlikely friendship that will colour their lives for decades to come . . .
Alan Hollinghurst's masterly novel evokes the intimate relationships of a group of friends bound together by art, literature and love across three generations. It explores the social and sexual revolutions of the most pivotal years of the past century, whose life-changing consequences are still being played out to this day.
Richly observed, disarmingly witty and emotionally charged, The Sparsholt Affair is an unmissable achievement from one of our finest writers.
- Available now
- Fantasy and sci-fi adventures
- New eBooks
- A good laugh
- Try something different
- Crime and thrillers
- Travel books
- Most popular
- New kids additions
- New York Times bestsellers
- New teen additions
- Body and health
- Poetry and short stories
- See all
- Available now
- New audio books
- Always Available Audiobooks
- The sound of a crime
- Most popular
- Romance
- Try something different
- A good laugh
- New kids additions
- Listen to a bestseller
- New teen additions
- Learn a new language
- Listen if you dare
- See all