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The Spell

Published
Apr 1999
Main Genre
General Fiction General Fiction
Rating
Pages
272

About This Book

"The "spell" of the title is both the power of drugs, at the heart of the book, and the "sex-magic" that variously possesses - but then deserts - each of its main characters." -- The Guardian

Discover this ‘sparkling celebration of sexual intrigue' (Telegraph, London) from the Booker Prize-winning author of The Line of Beauty and Our Evenings.


The Spell is a comedy of sexual manners that follows the interlocking affairs of four men: Robin, an architect in his late forties, who is trying to build an idyllic life in Dorset with his younger lover, Justin; Robin's 22 year old son Danny, a volatile beauty who lives for clubbing and casual sex; and the shy Alex, who is Justin's ex-boyfriend.

As each in turn falls under the spell of romance or drugs, country living or rough trade, a richly ironic picture emerges of the clashing imperatives of modern gay life. At once lyrical, sceptical and romantic, The Spell confirms Alan Hollinghurst as one of Britain's most important novelists.

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Formats & Editions

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Paperback

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Trade Paperback
May 2000 Penguin ISBN 0140286373
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Paperback
Aug 1999 Vintage ISBN 0099276941
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Hardcover

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Hardcover
First Edition Apr 1999 Viking ISBN 0670883565
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Hardcover
Aug 1998 Chatto & Windus ISBN 0701165197
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eBook

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eBook
May 2000 Penguin ISBN 1440621535
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eBook
May 2000 Penguin ISBN B001KPO1QS
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eBook
May 2000 Vintage ISBN 1409002144
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Audio

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Audible
Jun 2018 Macmillan Digital Audio ISBN B07BGZSBYK
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