Perfect Architect by Jayne Joso
Author Shortlisted for The People' Book Prize
ISBN: 9780956012524. Price: £8.99
Perfect Architect Cover Details
"A work of stunning originality and deftness of prose, in which Jayne Joso explores with delicate skill and rare empathy what becomes of the broken hearted." Cathi Unsworth
"A masterpiece of storytelling... an exciting pageturner of a novel... a world where architecture is brimming with passion and excitement." Bella Hampton, writershub.co.uk
A love letter to architecture, this novel is set in the dazzling and eccentric world of the star architect. After the death of her architect husband Charles and the discovery of intimate correspondence with another woman, Gaia Ore is about to learn some harsh but rewarding lessons on the nature of erotic and artistic obsession. A competition emerges to design her perfect home, and the private world of international architects is opened up. Flowing between Spain, Italy, the US and the UK, four world class architects – Charles' former adversaries – take up the challenge. But will they truly understand what is required of them? Accustomed as they are to large scale projects such as skyscrapers, bridges, museums and galleries, will the request for a modest dwelling ultimately get the better of them?
A joyous and life-affirming read filled with warmth and humour... and a house!
Gaia Ore, Swedish born, adopted by English parents; aged thirty-two, and alive. Charles Ore, half Norwegian, half English; and at the time of his death, forty-three, seven months, eleven days, four hours, and twelve seconds precisely. Detail was what Charles had lived, and indeed, died by. Had he no idea how difficult it was to choke on a piece of eel, how unlikely? And who counted the twelve seconds? Is choking so exactly measured? When dining with a fellow architect, it would appear to be the case. And Charles would have expected no less, though most others might have expected, and felt more appreciation of, a sharp pat on the back. Is architectural competition really so stiff? Apparently so.
Jayne Joso's Soothing Music for Stray Cats was predicted by the TLS to be the next "great, eccentric London novel."
Published on 6 May 2011
Alcemi Talks to Jayne Joso about Perfect Architect
3am Magazine Talks to Jayne Joso about Perfect Architect and Soothing Music for Stray Cats