You may have seen the trailers or heard about a new movie that is out called The American, starring Academy Award winner George Clooney.

However, did you know the film is actually based on a novel, A Very Private Gentleman, written in 2004 by Martin Booth?

The following is a summarized description of A Very Private Gentleman from the publisher.

"The locals in the southern Italian town where he lives call him Signor Farfalla - Mr. Butterfly - for he is a discreet gentleman who paints rare butterflies. His life is inconspicuous - mornings spent brushing at a canvas, afternoons idling in the cafes, and evenings talking with his friend the town priest over a glass of brandy.
Yet there's more to this gentleman's life: Clara, the young student who moonlights in the town bordello, and another woman who arrives with $100,000 and a commission, but not for a painting of butterflies.
With this assignment returns the dark fear that has dogged Signor Farfalla. Almost instantly, he senses a deadly circle closing in on him, one that he may or may not elude. Part thriller, part character study, part drama of deceit and self-betrayal, A Very Private Gentleman shows Martin Booth at the very height of his powers."

If you find the storyline to be interesting, make sure to request a copy of A Very Private Gentleman from the library. Feel free to tell us what you think about it.

Enjoy!