A woman’s journey to understand the life of her mother – a life of turmoil, transition and passion, set against the backdrop of mid-twentieth century Europe. Beautifully written and full of subtle insight, An Unfinished Portrait is a reflection on love and memory, mothers and daughters, and the things we must let go of to make room for the new.
"A mother - beautiful, political and passionate - flees the continents, always just one step ahead of catastrophe. The daughter she takes with her suffers, wonders, and decades later reports. An extraordinary history, an elegantly written and fascinating book.” Fay Weldon
"This is not just a memoir, but a historical document. The book ends with a collection of letters, beautifully written under harrowing circumstances, which leaves the reader shouting, ‘Never again!’ This is, however, a book of great optimism. In the end, civilisation, friendship, love, beauty, art – and sheer endurance – prove more lasting than anything the barbarians can offer. Not just a poignant memoir, but a serious warning.’ Edward Wilson
She healed the scars of her dead mother’s soul by writing this beautiful, heartrending book.” Hanan Al-Shaykh |