Valerie Martin is the Orange Prize-winning author of Property, and the author of three collections of short fiction and nine novels. The Confessions of Edward Day is written as the fictional memoir of actor Edward Day. Set in 1970s New York it begins with the death of Edward Day’s mother. Then it jumps ahead to a weekend, with a group of young actors, at a beach house on the Jersey shore.

A late night solitary walk takes Edward to the edge of a pier. When the wooden railing gives way, Edward falls into the water and is pulled out to sea by a strong rip. Guy Margate hears his cries for help and saves Edward from drowning. From this point on Edward is indebted to Guy. Guy, a fellow actor, competes with Edward professionally as well as for the affections of Madeleine Delavergne, a fragile and talented actor. Guy’s actions are increasingly suspect. He keeps surfacing in Edward’s life and demanding payment in various ways.

The Confessions of Edward Day is a fascinating look at the theatre actor’s life, and a literary page-turner.