“When I first enjoyed this superb view, one glowing April day," Jess read aloud, "from the summit of the Pacheco Pass, the… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“He draws asparagus and cabbages, but he's obsessed with artichokes. He draws them more than any other vegetable. Why artichokes?" George drained… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“She had no idea how George delighted in her funny ways, or watched her through the window as she stood outside, finishing… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“She turned the next several pages and found a black-ink drawing on a slip of typing paper, a nude woman holding a… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“His fantasies were nurturing, not predatory. If he could have Jess, he would feed her. Laughable, antique, confusingly paternal, he longed to… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Once he left the Haywood out for her with a page number on a scrap of paper, and she opened the book… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“I used to write poetry when I was younger," Jess said. She had kept a notebook by her bed, in case some… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“A peach, slightly unbalanced, so that it listed to one side, its hue the color of an early sunrise. Had George remembered… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Giddy with each other and the wine, they strolled outside through the Presidio, the old fort now housing restaurants and galleries. Jess… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“At first she felt overwhelmed by the house, its airy symmetry its silence. Now she was accustomed to the place, but she… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“Sentimentally, he thought of Jess. Irrationally, he despaired of having her. But this was not a question of pursuit. Raj would laugh… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
“You think there's something materialistic about collecting books, but really collectors are the last romantics. We're the only ones who still love… — Allegra Goodman Copy Share Image
