About the Book Craig spins the ever-resonant themes of Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream into a modern-day tale of love and lies, set against the magical landscape of Tuscany. It will appeal to readers of The Nanny Diaries and other pitch-perfect social satires. Book Synopsis In her delightful reimagining of A Midsummers Night Dream , Amanda Craig slyly serves up a witty cross-cultural farce, a modern-day tale of love and lies set against the magical landscape of Tuscany. When Theo, a workaholic lawyer, his English wife Polly, and their two children rent an idyllic Italian villa, they expect a relaxing summer holiday together. Polly, with her loved ones romantic interests at heart, has invited an eccentric mix of friends and family along--including three eligible bachelors, a former model, an Indian-British divorcee with a young son, and her own appalling mother-in-law. They soon discover the Casa Luna is a strange, enchanted place where people find their hearts desire--but at a price. Everyone falls in love, though not with the people they expect, and the results are surprising and hilarious. Review Quotes A genuinely clever writer. . . . Craigs secret weapon is charm. . . . A summery divertissement.-- The New York Times Book Review Beguiling, very funny. . . . Craig writes with charm and wit. -- The New Yorker Amanda Craig is a marvelous writer--both playful and graceful, she gives darting sidelong glances into the human heart. Love in Idleness is the perfect summer read. Escapist in the best sense, it suggests that we may need to get lost in order to find ourselves. --Allison Pearson, author of I Dont Know How She Does It Lush and light ... loving and witty.... A brainy beach book. -- Newsday With slapstick confusion, magic potions, and Shakespearean references galore.... [It] manages to surprise in a way old Will never dreamed of. -- Entertainment Weekly A leaf-light summer frolic of a novel. . . . Craigs bardlike command of the story doesnt waver, and she masterfully conjures the poetic beauty of the Tuscan countryside, making Love in Idleness a perfect read for a summer vacation-or for those in need of one. - Salon Sharp dialogue, smart lines, well-timed revelations-all in all, a pleasing, evocative, weightless performance. - The Washington Post The magical descriptions of Italy and hilarious observations about love, travel, natives and foreigners in Love in Idleness are but a few of its many pleasures. Amanda Craig has created a hot shimmery climate in which a cast of old friends, quirky family members and naughty children who make love potions come to know themselves and their hearts. A delightful brew. -Jane Hamilton A social comedy with a hint of magic. . . . An entertaining and good-hearted summer read by someone who knows, and loves, her Shakespeare. - Seattle Times Sprawling and sweet, Craig traces how romantic, platonic, and familial relationships change over time. - Elle As the magic kicks in and the misbehavior begins, it is as if Craig applies a potion to her readers own eyelids, drawing them into an enchanted dream where her hold over them is complete. - The Observer (London) Literate, surprising, and funny, Amanda Craigs haphazard houseparty in the Tuscan hills kept me in a midsummer nights dream from the moment the shutters were flung open until all ended well. - Frances Mayes Carefully plotted, its prose sharp, its characters nicely, sometimes mischievously, observed. . . . Enjoyable and clever. - The Independent (London) Craigs creative enough to stray from Shakespeare when the need arises, and her lyrical prose suits the Italian landscapes. - Orlando Sentinel An absorbing, playful summer read. . . . Craig has a wry affection for her characters, and the novel leaves one feeling Puckish: Lord, what fools these mortals be! - The Telegraph (UK) Amusing and intelligent. . . There are layers of meaning that will repay careful reading. . . . A delightful summer read.- Library Journal (starred) Charming. . . . Craig, a compassionate and good-tempered fairy godmother waving her wand, presides wisely and kindly over the comedy of errors. - The New Statesman About the Author Amanda Craig is the author of Foreign Bodies , A Private Place , A Vicious Circle , and, most recently, In a Dark Wood . She lives in London and writes regularly for the Times , the Sunday Times , and the New Statesman . www.amandacraig.com