This is an auction for THE BIG PICTURE by Douglas Kennedy.

"This astonishingly assured novel has a breathless readability that is rare. Ben Bradford is a Wall Street lawyer living a comfortable life in Connecticut, with a wife and two small children, but he seems to be heading, rather early, for a midlife crisis. He had always wanted to be a photographer, still putters around at it, but feels his life is ebbing away. Beth, his wife, a frustrated novelist, is increasingly estranged from him. Then Ben discovers she has a lover - ironically, another failed photographer - and in a confrontation with the man Ben's accumulated rage leads to a moment of murderous madness. The rest of this headlong novel grips like a vise as Ben covers up his crime, disappears and takes on his victim's identity. The book is more than just a compelling read: it also has poignant and moving things to say about lost opportunities and wasted lives in America, the cynical quality of sudden fame, the awfulness of willed separation from deeply loved children. There is a lot of excitement in the air about Kennedy's novel, and it is thoroughly justified."

• Publishers Weekly (US)

Very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Paperback 2003.

374 pages.

A previous owner's name. Otherwise, very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.