Sweet Caress

The Many Lives of Amory Clay

By: William Boyd

Narrated by: Susan Lyons

Born into Edwardian England, Amory's first memory is of her father standing on his head. She has memories of him returning on leave during the First World War. But his absences, both actual and emotional, are what she chiefly remembers. It is her photographer uncle Greville who supplies the emotional bond she needs, who, when he gives her a camera and some rudimentary lessons in photography, unleashes a passion that will irrevocably shape her future.

A spell at boarding school ends abruptly, and Amory begins an apprenticeship with Greville in London, photographing socialites for the magazine Beau Monde. But Amory is hungry for more, and her search for life, love, and artistic expression will take her to the demimonde of Berlin of the late '20s, to New York of the '30s, to the blackshirt riots in London, and to France in the Second World War, where she becomes one of the first women war photographers. Her desire for experience will lead Amory to further wars, to lovers, husbands, and children as she continues to pursue her dreams and battle her demons.

In this enthralling story of a life fully lived, William Boyd has created a sweeping panorama of some of the most defining moments of modern history, told through the camera lens of one unforgettable woman, Amory Clay. It is his greatest achievement to date.

©2015 William Boyd (P)2015 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"One of the very best prose stylists and storytellers in the English language." ( The Atlantic)

The reader herself.

I completely loved the whole story of Emery's wonderful and complex life. She was amazing.

failed to engage my heart

Superb writing, superb narration, yet something elusive is missing. I loved "Any Human Heart" by William Boyd. This novel is written in a similar way, but somehow I really did not care much about Amory Clay. Something, somehow, is missing.

Not William Boyd best

I was hoping for a book as good as Any Human Heart or Love is blind. Although similar, it just wasn’t as god.

Doesn't capture the heart

Interesting but not gripping at all; the characters we're not developed enough for the reader to care enough.

Beautiful , evocative, heartbreaking

I love what the author did to make this book. He assembled anonymous, forgotten photos into a beautiful narrative that reads like an historical bio. It kept me riveted and the narrator was spot-on