The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen Now
A Spanish Lover

A Spanish Lover

a compelling and engaging novel from one of Britain’s most popular authors, bestseller Joanna Trollope

Summary

Readers of Elizabeth Noble, Erica James and Amanda Prowse will love this wise and warm novel from multi-million copy bestselling author Joanna Trollope. A story of delicate family relationships and the catalysts that can change everything...

'Her novels, like family life itself, are built on the tensions between the illusions of permanence and the reality of charm' -- Observer

'A hugely enjoyable book' -- The Sunday Times
'I love her wit, her benevolence, her resolve that in even the darkest hour a little light will shine' -- Irish Press
'Profoundly satisfying as well as acutely querying...A perceptive chronicler of our times' -- Sunday Express
'Beautifully written' -- ***** Reader review
Couldn't put this book down 100% excellent -- ***** Reader review
'Incredible' -- ***** Reader review

*****

TWO LIVES INTERTWINED AND SEEMINGLY HARMONIOUS. ONE DECISION THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.

Lizzie and Frances are twins, together forming part of a unit. Or at least that's the way Lizzie sees things. Lizzie is the twin who has everything: husband, children, a flourishing career and a beautiful house. She worries about Frances, who seems to lead a solitary life in London, ricocheting from one disastrous man to the next. Lizzie just wants Frances to have a complete and satisfying life, just like hers.

Then one day Frances announces she isn't coming to Lizzie's for Christmas as usual - she's going to Spain instead.
Suddenly and equally unexpectedly, Lizzie's world begins to tilt. Frances's Christmas defection seems overwhelmingly threatening to their unity.

As Frances's future begins to change into something exciting and Lizzie's deteriorates as financial pressures eat into her ideal lifestyle, long held assumptions are called into question.

Which twin really is the one with everything?

Reviews

  • Some people are beginning to measure out their lives in terms of the next Joanna Trollope... her novels, like family life itself, are built on the tensions between the illusions of permanence and the reality of charm
    Observer

About the author

Joanna Trollope

Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more