Shortlisted for the People's Book Prize 2011.
A love letter to architecture, Jayne Joso’s second novel is set in the dazzling and eccentric world of the star architect.
After the death of her architect husband Charles, and the discovery of intimate correspondence with another woman, Gaia Ore is about to learn some harsh but rewarding lessons on the nature of erotic and artistic obsession. Flowing between Spain, Italy, the US and the UK, four world-class architects – Charles’ former adversaries – take up the challenge of designing Gaia’s perfect home. But will they truly understand what is required of them? Accustomed as they are to skyscrapers, bridges, museums and galleries, will the request for a modest dwelling ultimately get the better of them?
“A work of stunning originality and deftness of prose, in which Jayne Joso explores with delicate skill and rare empathy what becomes of the broken hearted.”
Cathi Unsworth
Having lived and worked in Japan and China, Jayne Joso now lives in London. Perfect Architect is her second novel. Her debut, Soothing Music for Stray Cats (Alcemi, 2009), was a finalist in the People’s Book Prize in 2010.
Praise for Soothing Music for Stray Cats:
“May be the next great, eccentric London novel.” – TLS
“A richly comic debut novel of youthful dreams and adult despair, told with rough charm.” – Planet
“Jayne Joso is an extraordinary writer of fiction.” – Rob Burdock
A love letter to architecture, Jayne Joso’s second novel is set in the dazzling and eccentric world of the star architect.
After the death of her architect husband Charles, and the discovery of intimate correspondence with another woman, Gaia Ore is about to learn some harsh but rewarding lessons on the nature of erotic and artistic obsession. Flowing between Spain, Italy, the US and the UK, four world-class architects – Charles’ former adversaries – take up the challenge of designing Gaia’s perfect home. But will they truly understand what is required of them? Accustomed as they are to skyscrapers, bridges, museums and galleries, will the request for a modest dwelling ultimately get the better of them?
“A work of stunning originality and deftness of prose, in which Jayne Joso explores with delicate skill and rare empathy what becomes of the broken hearted.”
Cathi Unsworth
Having lived and worked in Japan and China, Jayne Joso now lives in London. Perfect Architect is her second novel. Her debut, Soothing Music for Stray Cats (Alcemi, 2009), was a finalist in the People’s Book Prize in 2010.
Praise for Soothing Music for Stray Cats:
“May be the next great, eccentric London novel.” – TLS
“A richly comic debut novel of youthful dreams and adult despair, told with rough charm.” – Planet
“Jayne Joso is an extraordinary writer of fiction.” – Rob Burdock