The Shape of Her

Max and Tine arrive on the Greek island of her childhood holidays. Both are in their mid twenties and this is their first serious relationship. Max is relatively inexperienced with women and his previous encounters have been predominantly sexual. With Tine he feels an emotional bond and he wants to get to know her better, both sexually and emotionally.

It ought to be perfect - a secluded house on a stunning cove; rich local food and wine; swimming, sunbathing. And yet the minute they arrive Tine seems tense. As the days progress, she seems increasingly distant and is obsessed that the house is being watched.

The present day is interspersed with scenes from Max's childhood. A talented child from a relatively poor family, he received a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school but nothing has prepared the young boy for the loneliness and vulnerability of living away from his family.

Winner of Bad Sex Award 2010 (UK)

“Somerville is clearly a thoughtful writer... a rich plot and some lovely vivid local colour.”

Rowan Somerville investigates cause and effect in obsessive desire. On a Greek island, the novel's sexed-up summer idyll for two privileged youngsters darkens into dread and recrimination... In his novel, unresolved trauma brings its danger to this liaison like the jagged boat-wrecking rock that lurks underwater beyond the golden beach. -- Boyd Tonkin INDEPENDENT
Somerville is clearly a thoughtful writer... a rich plot and some lovely vivid local colour. GUARDIAN
Deceptively simple in plot and singularly musical in its voice, it is a study of the place where our past has become our present. A summer read to be kept - and visited in the dark days of winter. ECONOMIST
Darkly erotic, offbeat holiday read... an entertaining book that while not echoing to the chimes of chick lit, probably wouldn't be out of place in the beach bag. IRISH TIMES
Rowan Somerville is a talented author, perfectly capturing the characters' distinctive voices...The language is gorgeous, rich and evocative...the pacing is perfect. The Shape of Her is dark, beautiful and an ideal summer read. FOR BOOKS SAKE BLOG

Rowan Somerville was born in London in 1966. He has worked in television, film and radio, including making the odd documentary and some unmentionable television programmes. He has spent a lot of time in different countries around the world but now lives in Ireland.

Max and Tine arrive on the Greek island of her childhood holidays. Both are in their mid twenties and this is their first serious relationship. Max is relatively inexperienced with women and his previous encounters have been predominantly sexual. With Tine he feels an emotional bond and he wants to get to know her better, both sexually and emotionally.It ought to be perfect - a secluded house on a stunning cove; rich local food and wine; swimming, sunbathing. And yet the minute they arrive Tine seems tense. As the days progress, she seems increasingly distant and is obsessed that the house is being watched.The present day is interspersed with scenes from Max's childhood. A talented child from a relatively poor family, he received a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school but nothing has prepared the young boy for the loneliness and vulnerability of living away from his family.

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