Among ruins - Harriet Vyner

Among Ruins is the story of Laura, born to a wealthy family and enjoying the lifestyle of the landed gentry - until her father gambles away their vast, legendary Northumberland estate one evening on the gaming tables of Mayfair. Laura and her family move away, but she remains haunted by an abusive incident she suffered on the grounds as a child. Years later, in London, Laura embarks on an affair with a much older, well known artist. But as his infatuation grows, Laura's lessens, and she finds herself becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol and then, heroin . . . with dramatic consequences.

Much more than a coming of age story, Among Ruins explores Laura's attempt to find significance and esteem as her father succeeds in losing his own. A compelling and haunting exploration of what happens when a life unravels, Harriet Vyner's debut novel recalls an extraordinary personal journey with elegance and wit.

Harriet Vyner was brought up in London, Yorkshire and Sussex. She has collaborated in a screenplay about Albert Pierrepoint, the last hangman, and worked on several projects with Jools Holland, including co-authorship of the book Beat Route. She has recently been working on two documentaries - one about Robert Fraser and the other about Francis Bacon. Harriet Vyner was a great friend of Robert Fraser from the late 1970s until his death in 1986.