An utterly compelling read … The effect of Amory is that of an interesting woman with a life well-lived, who is not content to sit back and be beautiful as an adored wife or mistress. She grasps every opportunity with both hands, wherever it leads her. Not a bad epitaph, and a tribute to Boyd's skill that we miss her like a friend when we, and she, reach the end

Independent

Sweet Caress is a rattling good “what will happen next?” story and, on another level, a meditation, in fiction, on women and the lens…”Caress” is just the right word for the feel of this novel. Boyd deals with heavy themes with the lightest touch. We're lucky to have him writing for us

John Sutherland, The Times

Boyd is as good as ever at capturing time and place, and at blurring the line between fact and fiction … A highly enjoyable read

Daily Telegraph

One of Britain's best and best-loved storytellers … A skilfully plotted, cleverly constructed and highly entertaining novel. It's a book crying out for screen adaptation

Sunday Express

Witty and resourceful, Boyd's heroine immediately appeals … This is the story of a life shaped and scarred by war and also by those accidents of fate over which none of us can exert power

Daily Mail

William Boyd is a gifted chronicler of lives both enigmatic and artistic … Rich in psychological depth, zingy characters and period detail

Mail on Sunday