Sex and Genius

by Conrad Williams

Description

In Michael Lear's estimation, James Hilldyard is a Master of the British novel. Calling on this contemporary genius at home on the Italian Amalfi coast, Michael is disappointed not to acquire permission for the TV profile he wants to produce, but is bafflingly offered a job as the great man's literary secretary instead. This break from his rackety London media life is actually just what Michael needs--until a captivating actress arrives in Italy, followed by a pack of Hollywood hounds show more sniffing at her heels, all trying to secure the film fights in Hilldyard's as yet unpublished novel. It is unpublished not just because Hilldyard believe 'adaptation of any decent novel is vandalism' but because he cannot face the terrible secret about himself that it contains. Sex and Genius is set on that high place where creative genius and the Hollywood System carry out their big gun fights. Williams knows the territory well and he plays out his drama there with enormous panache. show less

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mediapuzzle 12 reviews

I found this a really great read and I'm surprised by the lack of attention here on LibraryThing.

Set on the Italian Coast, a failing British documentary film producer gets his chance at producing a film by a famous accomplished novelist. The novelist doesn't want to grant the rights to the film because great literature cannot be done justice on the big screen. Enter aspiring actress hell bent on finally making the big time. Our producer falls in love and everyone manufactures a range of deceits to get what they want!

Great read and worth seeking out.

Jul 2, 2010

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