Olga Masters was immediately hailed for her powerful and original fiction. Her first novel is a brilliant, unsentimental portrait of two sisters - one artistic and restless, the other houseproud, her father's favourite. The entry of an eligible young man into their lives creates a disturbing triangle of desire and rivalry. 'What Olga Masters offers us is a rare thing - a true comedy of manners, Australian style.' The Australian 'Subtly passionate ...brilliantly detailed, with a sly and often comical eroticism.' New York Times Book Review 'A gracefully shifting novel ...reminiscent of Jane Austen and an absolute pleasure to read.' National Times