A novel based on the life of John Maynard Keynes, economist, public intellectual, government adviser, financial speculator and connoisseur, and one of the most significant figures of the twentieth century.
“Since the war, everything’s changed. The powers-that-be hold to the old mantras … but how far can you push people? Until they rise up and throw the government down?”
When the brilliant and mercurial Maynard Keynes walks out on the Paris Peace Conference, he seems destined for obscurity. But in the crisis-ridden 1920s, he soon finds himself back on the public stage. A man of fierce intelligence and hidden susceptibilities, he is not afraid to speak the truth to a political elite blindly determined to push the world to the brink of collapse.
Dancer Lydia Lopokova has fled revolution and is now seeking her own personal salvation. The last thing she expects is a life-changing encounter with a Bohemian economist.
In a divided world where neither their Bloomsbury friends nor the powerful elites seem to realise the dangers, their encounter will have long-reaching consequences.
Longlisted for the Peggy Chapman-Andrews Novel Award/Bridport Prize
“Barnes has fashioned such a cleverly readable novel out of Keynes’ early life – weaving together his politics, his economic theories, his Bloomsbury friendships and above all his fantastically unpredictable love affair with the ballerina Lydia Lopokova. History that feels vivid on the page.” Judith Mackrell, author of ‘Bloomsbury Ballerina: Lydia Lopokova, Imperial Dancer and Mrs John Maynard Keynes
“Tells the story of the … transformation of John Maynard Keynes, a brilliant public intellectual immersed in the maelstrom of the post-World War I years. Even as Keynes struggled … to save Britain from the consequences of the War and of the disastrous treaty that ended it, he also struggled to redefine himself in defiance of his circle of lifelong Bloomsbury friends. With rare skill and delicate touch, Emma Barnes brings this double drama to vivid and convincing life.” William H. Janeway, economist and author of ‘Doing Capitalism in the Innovation Economy’
“it’s a novel about a remarkable character in turbulent times. And a very good novel too” Professor Diane Coyle, Enlightened Economist blog (full review)
“a delight and a joy” NWR Magazine
“This is a wonderful escape into 1920’s Britain and Bloomsbury, with Keynes at the centre of it all! A very enjoyable novel for both those familiar and not so familiar with the Bloomsbury set and Keynes.” Professor Phil Tomlinson, University of Bath
Read an extract from the book.
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