It's 1966 and years have passed since the initial success of Frankie Croy's debut novel. She has spent her career trying to live up to the expectations of her editor and fans, only to fall short with each new publication. Now, after a particularly scathing review of her most recent work, alongside a very public breakdown, Frankie retreats to her friend's vacant palazzo in Venice to recharge and get re-inspired. Then Gilly appears. A precocious young admirer eager to befriend her favorite author, Gilly seems determined to insinuate herself into Frankie's solitary life. But there's something about the young woman that gives Frankie pause, that makes her wonder just how much of what Gilly tells her is the truth. Set against the catastrophic 1966 flooding of Venice, the encounters between these two women will lead to a series of lies and revelations that will tragically disrupt both of their lives.-- Front cover flap.