Desire

In Amy Wallace's captivating debut novel, Lily van Velsen, a gemologist in San Francisco, finds her seemingly secure future upended as she delves into her ancestors' scandalous diaries filled with forbidden romances and supernatural entanglements. As she explores an illicit affair with artist Johnny Penthe and seeks solace in opium, Lily confronts her dark destiny while grappling with the enigmatic curse of the "pearl of Celebes." This intricate narrative, rich with themes of love and desire, unfolds with a mesmerizing quality, inviting listeners into a world where sacred and profane passions intertwine.