Zelda's Cut by Philippa Gregory

Isobel Latimer, a writer known for her moral tales, is trapped by the confines of her puritan image. Not a single dress can show off the faintest traces of her figure. With a literary reputation to uphold and massive, increasing debts to keep secret, Isobel is about to crack - everyone wants a cut of her talent, her time or her money, but only she knows there's nothing left to give. At wit's end, Isobel and her agent, Troy, conspire to create a new Isobel, a taboo-breaking, uninhibited bombshell of an author named Zelda Vere, a glamorous beauty with a blonde wig, artful makeup, and sexy underwear. As Zelda, Isobel wows the editors, and her manuscript is auctioned for gobs of money; but as in all morality tales, bad things happen: Philip learns he's been conned by the pool man, and Troy disappears with the proceeds of Isobel's second novel. However Isobel, who's learned a thing or two from Zelda, knows exactly what to do... A witty and entertaining romp that sizzles with intellectual energy and frankness. KIRKUS REVIEWS Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly Masquerading as a trashy novelist may solve English writer Isobel Latimer's financial problems, but it also plunges her into a full-fledged identity crisis in Gregory's flighty, overplotted novel. Isobel needs money to support her ailing husband, Philip, and his newfound interest in pool building, so when her agent, Troy Cartwright, informs her that her literary novels are earning less and less, she tells him, If they won't pay me to write good books, then I'll just have to write bad. She and Troy invent the persona of Zelda Vere, a heavily made-up, well-dressed blonde bombshell, the opposite of 52-year-old country matron Isobel. Zelda's survivor fiction, The Devil's Disciple, is a major hit that earns Isobel all the money she could ever need, but she finds herself increasingly caught between superego and id, between an unfulfilling loyal marriage and sexual experimentation with Troy. When Isobel sets off on her book tour with Troy, Gregory's plot takes an exotic and erotic turn, depicting a world of cross-dressing, cocaine and champagne. Returning to her home in Kent, Isobel finds Philip miraculously recovered and expending all his energy on the construction of an expensive new pool. Philip has also decided to invest (with Isobel's money) in the handsome pool man's business. Backstabbers reveal themselves, to no one's surprise, and Isobel's deliberationsAshould she stay or should she go?Aare prolonged until an abrupt, bewildering denouement puts a stop to the runaway narrative. Gregory, a popular writer of historical fiction (Earthly Joys, etc.), knows whereof she speaks when she describes television interviews and book deals, though the over-the-top fantasy she spins from the details may test readers' patience. (Jan. 16) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. About the Author Philippa Gregory is an internationally renowned author of historical novels. She holds a PhD in eighteenth-century literature from the University of Edinburgh. Works that have been adapted for television include A Respectable Trade, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Queen's Fool. The Other Boleyn Girl is now a major film, starring Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman and Eric Bana. Philippa Gregory lives in the North of England with her family. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Booklist Gregory's novel is a double threat: one gripping story of lust and desperation nestled within another gripping story of lust and desperation. Isobel Latimer--one of England's literati--is strapped for cash. Unable to admit to her sick husband that she has spent everything they have in her attempt to find a cure for his mystery illness, Isobel is tempted by her agent, Troy, into writing a trashy popular novel under the assumed name of Zelda Vere. Zelda's first novel is a smashing success, but by the time the royalties come through, her husband has spent them. In the meantime, Isobel has been spending more and more time in the company of Troy, who helps her become Zelda for her fans. When Isobel confesses her love for Troy (who prefers men), everything falls apart, and she soon finds herself entangled in a complex web of lies and half-truths. A wild emotional ride with a shocking conclusion, Gregory's deftly written tale offers a great deal of insight into the human soul, and a wicked sense of poetic justice. Bonnie Johnston Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Review `Clever, original, perceptive and preposterous... highly enjoyable'Hampstead & Highgate Gazette `Hooks until the final twist'Woman & Home `ZELDA'S CUT holds the attention because the cravings it describes are real'Helen Dunmore --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From AudioFile While Isobel Latimer's literary novels receive ever smaller advances, her nonworking husband clamors for a new swimming pool. Isobel and her agent conspire to create a fictional author, Zelda Veer, for whom Isobel will ghostwrite a bestseller with no literary value to fill the family coffers. Norma West's refined English captures Isobel and her educated husband perfectly, both in dialogue and narrative. West proves equally adept at sliding into sleaze when Isobel dons the wig, clothing, and persona of Zelda. The smarmy pool salesman and Isobel's gender-confused agent are nailed with equal accuracy. Despite the story's abrupt and farfetched ending, West's performance creates a polished production. R.P.L. AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.