'A rich meditation: on separation, on possession, on Renaissance artists, and, inevitably, on the transformative nature of travel.' The Times 'Written in prose that constantly reminds us what language can do.' Times Literary Supplement 'A writer of almost electrifying intensity ... This book is a ray of intricate sunlight.' Irish Times When Rachel Cusk decides to travel to Italy for a summer with her husband and two young children, she has no idea of the trials and wonders that lie in store. Their journey leads them to both the expected and the surprising, all seen through Cusk's sharp and humane perspective.