Lush
Shortlisted for the Nero Book Award for Debut Fiction
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- 6,49 €
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- 6,49 €
Publisher Description
SHORTLISTED FOR THE NERO BOOK AWARD FOR DEBUT FICTION
* A STYLIST BEST BOOK OF 2025 * A DAZED MUST-READ NOVEL FOR 2025 * A GQ MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2025 *A TIMES BEST NEW BOOK *
'A sumptuous treat' Bolu Babalola
'Breathtaking ... dare I say, intoxicating' Okechukwu Nzelu
A mysterious invitation to drink the oldest bottle of wine in the world - who could resist?
A wine influencer, a rising star sommelier, a caustic food critic and an ingenuous American millionaire gather at a sprawling French vineyard estate at the request of a renowned Grand Sommelier.
Each arrives at a crucial point in their lives, and each has something to prove. As glasses are emptied, rivalries fermented and secrets spilled, the guests and their host must confront hard truths that could change their lives forever. Heady and subtly powerful, Lush is a bittersweet reckoning with class, beauty, hedonism and desire.
'Intoxicating' Times
'Heady [and] sun-soaked' Dazed
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A spontaneous invitation to the South of France proves life-changing for four wine-industry insiders in Dowden-Lord's polished debut. When vintner Tao hears his aging husband, Jon, pitch an idea to invite a group of "new and exciting" oenophiles and tastemakers to their French vineyard, he's surprised to see the shy Jon come out of his shell, and agrees. All four guests will participate in blind tastings and be offered the chance to taste the world's oldest bottle of wine. Avery, a Londoner in her late 20s, is grateful for a break from the predatory manager at her restaurant. The handsome yet awkward Cosmo suddenly feels like his life is less stagnant when he meets and falls for Avery. The others include Sonny, the American owner of a so-so wine brand, and Maelys, a food writer who is immediately critical of Avery's presence and purpose at the gathering. The author skillfully juggles the many characters as they engage in competitive banter and exchange intimacies while awaiting the opportunity to taste the coveted final bottle, and the narrative finishes on a bittersweet and satisfying note. Wine enthusiasts will savor this.
