num_pages: 329
description: The bizarre world of a motley crew of prostitutes-the painted shadows-their customers, their friends and their families, in the old town of Nice, is portrayed in this arresting first novel.A beautiful and enigmatic transvestite prostitute, who becomes a transsexual after an operation in Casablanca, is the central figure to whom the other characters are drawn. Her name is Epiphanie, the significance of which is revealed through the depiction of a harrowing childhood, her blind mother's testimony and her conversations with a reinstated priest, Damien, who equates her with the martyr St. Agatha.Painted Shadows is a kaleidoscope of emotions and incidents, whirling color and vibrant language. The strains and lyrics of Berthe Sylva and Charles Trenet's chansons, played on the gramophone of the local haunt, the Delsevy, unite the characters and the action in a vivid, hothouse atmosphere that is constantly changing, constantly entertaining and disturbingly erotic.Translated by James Kirkup.
language: English
title: Painted Shadows
titlecomplete: Painted Shadows
awards: awardedAt: 694252800000
name: Scott Moncrieff Prize
category: James Kirkup
publisher: Quartet Books