The sleeping beauty

INTRODUCED BY DAVID BADDIEL'Elizabeth Taylor is finally being recognised as an important British author: an author of great subtlety, great compassion and great depth.

As a reader, I have found huge pleasure in returning to Taylor's novels and short stories many times over.

As a writer I've returned to her too - in awe of her achievements, and trying to work out how she does it' SARAH WATERSVinny Tumulty is a quiet, sensible man.

When he goes to stay at a seaside town, his task is to comfort Isabella, a bereaved friend, and and he is prepared for a solemn few days of tears and consolation.

But on the evening of his arrival, he looks out of the window at the sunset and catches sight of a beautiful woman walking by the seashore.

Before the week is over Vinny has fallen in love, completely and utterly, for the first time in his middle-aged life.

Emily, though, is a sleeping beauty, her secluded life hiding bitter secrets from the past.