Fantasy, feminism, and political satire are combined in Emma Tennant's novels, which portray humanity's groping, fumbling quest for meaning and purpose today or in the near future. The difficulties of distinguishing between illusion and reality are exemplified by Tennant's often comic, dreamlike narratives and her stunning imagery. Her exploration of the imagination and her depiction of the passing of time show exciting originality, and she is a novelist who is inspiring followers of modern fiction.

Emma Tennant was born in London on 20 October 1937 to Lord Glenconner and his second wife, Elizabeth. A businessman in the City of London, Lord Glenconner retained the title bestowed on Emma's grandfather, while Emma retained the Scottish family name, Tennant. Shortly after Emma's birth, the family moved to Scotland and remained there until the end of World War II. Her father, who was Special Operations Executive in Cairo and Turkey during the war...