The American

The basis for the action-packed George Clooney film: "A psychological suspense thriller invested with life-and-death gravitas" (

The Seattle Times

).

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 evening talks with his friend the town priest over a glass of brandy.

Yet there are other sides 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's mysterious life. Almost instantly, he senses a deadly circle closing in on him, one which he may or may not elude.

"With Farfalla, Booth has created a rich, conflicted antihero whose clever rationalizations mask a soul weary with self-doubt . . . making us question our own moral values, our sense of right and wrong-and where to exactly draw the line." -

The Boston Globe

Previously published as

A Very Private Gentleman