Lionel Shriver

The Female of the Species Lionel Shriver

Still unattached and childless at fifty-nine, world-renowned anthropologist Gray Kaiser is seemingly invincible – and untouchable. Returning to make a documentary at the site of her first great triumph in Kenya, she is accompanied by her faithful middle-aged assistant, Errol McEchern, who has loved her for years in silence. When sexy young graduate assistant Raphael Sarasola arrives on the scene, Gray is captivated and falls hopelessly in love – before an amazed and injured Errol's eyes. Observing the progress of their affair with jealous fascination, Errol watches a proud and fierce woman reduced to miserable dependence through subtle, cruel, and calculating manipulation.