UNFINISHED BUSINESS, Conrad Williams’ third novel, is published today by Bloomsbury Reader. Bloomsbury will be celebrating this highly-anticipated publication with a launch next week, and published this author Q&A today: read it here.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS is to the publishing industry what THE PLAYER is to the movie industry: an acute and involving novel about life, love and literature by an industry insider.
Mike is a literary agent with high standards and a passion for great writing. He is equally discriminating in matters of the heart and ready to fall in love. But when his best client sacks him and his hopes of marriage are dashed, Mike begins to fall apart. Emotionally reeling, he seeks respite in the beautiful wilderness of the Black Mountains, only to discover that his old flame, Madelin, and her husband now live there too. Drawn into the midst of their marital crisis, his humiliation is perfected as the superfluous middle man.
But when a top agent suggests a plot to restore his fortunes, Mike begins to come alive again. It looks like love and achievement might be his at last – if he is prepared to do the wrong thing, and do it ruthlessly.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS is a brilliantly entertaining novel about literary and romantic passion in work and marriage.
About the Author
Conrad Williams was born in Winnipeg and lives in Willesden Green. Educated at Bedales School and Trinity College, Cambridge, he qualified as a barrister before becoming a literary agent and author. As an agent, he represents screenwriters, directors and playwrights, and works closely with book agents. He is the author of two highly acclaimed previous novels, SEX & GENIUS and THE CONCERT PIANIST, published by Bloomsbury, and is a keen amateur pianist and chamber musician. His short stories have been broadcast on Radio 4 and published in You magazine, and he has written on musical matters for Pianist magazine. He is married with two daughters. See www.conradwilliams.co.uk for more.
Praise for Conrad Williams
‘Like Martin Amis at his funniest’ – Amanda Craig
‘Conrad Williams is a shrewd and gifted writer. I find him a great pleasure to read’ – Joseph O’Connor
‘Williams’ prose is spell binding’ - Irish Times
‘Williams writes with easy grace and an evocative turn of phrase… He is exceptionally perceptive’ – The Independent
‘Conrad Williams writes like a dream.’ - Publishing News
‘Williams is a delightfully eloquent observer’ – Time Out
‘Williams goes to the heart of the creative condition’ – Sunday Telegraph