It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide
Stone Virgin

Stone Virgin

Summary

For five hundred years a statue of the Madonna has watched over Venice. Now, dulled by time and pollution, she is prepared for restoration. As Simon Raikes immerses himself in the painstaking task of cleaning and repairing, he is inexorably drawn to the stories of violence and lust which have surrounded this stone virgin.

Simon’s investigations lead him to Chiara Litsov, the wife of a renowned sculptor. A dangerous attraction develops between them and it appears inevitable that once again the stone virgin will bear witness to passion, betrayal and murder.

Reviews

  • A marvellous novel, beautifully written and compelling to read
    Daily Telegraph

About the author

Barry Unsworth

Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more