The Electric Michelangelo

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2004, The Electric Michelangelo follows Cy Parks as he navigates his childhood in a guesthouse for consumptives and his apprenticeship with a tattoo artist. Eager for adventure, he journeys to America, where he immerses himself in the vibrant atmosphere of Coney Island and starts his own business as 'The Electric Michelangelo.' There, he becomes enchanted by Grace, a captivating immigrant and circus performer, who commissions him to tattoo her body with eyes. This novel intertwines love and artistry, offering a richly detailed exploration of seaside resorts on both sides of the Atlantic.