Heller, Zoe

What Was She Thinking? [Notes on a Scandal]

ISBN: 0805073337
New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, 2003. First Edition. Hardcover. Signed by Zoe Heller. "Schoolteacher Barbara Covett has led a solitary existence; aside from her cat, Portia, she has few friends, and no intimates. When Sheba Hart joins St. George's as the new art teacher Barbara senses the possibility of a friendship. It begins with lunches and continues with regular invitations to meals with Sheba's seemingly close-knit family. But as their relationship develops, another does as well: Sheba has begun a passionate affair with an underage male student. And when it comes to light and Sheba falls prey to the inevitable media circus, Barbara decides to write an account in her friend's defense- an account that reveals not only an unwitting Sheba's secrets, but her own." (from front flap) The thoughtful, steamy & indeed somewhat scandalous novel by Zoe Heller (b. 1965), the acclaimed Jewish-British author & journalist who has long lived in NYC. This novel, shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize, was the basis for the popular film version of 2006 starring Judi Dench as Barbara Covett & Kate Blanchett as Sheba Hart. Offered here is the first American edition (published near-simultaneously the same year as "Notes on a Scandal," also the title of the film, in the UK), hardcover in unclipped first-issue dust jacket (with $23 price & "0803" printed on front flap), "First Edition 2003" as stated on copyright page, first printing as indicated by number sequence thereon. On the title page, above her printed name, Heller has hand-written her signature in bold black felt-tip ink. A most desirable (we couldn't help it, sorry) Heller collectible in its co-rarest original form, enriched by the author's signature. Book in very fine condition with just a bit of wear at black spine-edges & corners; one very small bump at middle upper edge of one page leaf (pgs. 131-132); otherwise substantially mint inside & out. Dust jacket very fine with only a touch of rubbing to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same & flaps. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #5392]

Price: $70.00