Second Fiddle by Mary Wesley is the sixth novel from one of Britain's most beguiling and unconventional writers. Published in 1988, it follows 23-year-old Claud Bannister — failed accountant, aspiring novelist — who falls into the orbit of Laura Thornby, a wealthy, independent, and thoroughly interfering woman of 45. Laura arranges his entire existence: finds him a loft to write in, sets him up selling antiques at a market stall, and embarks on a wonderfully complicated romantic entanglement with him. The twist comes when she reads his manuscript and realises he has genuine, rare talent — and that she has been playing second fiddle to the characters in his imagination all along. Sharp, funny, and tender, it is Wesley at her most characteristic. Author: Mary Wesley ISBN: 9780552993555 Format: Paperback Condition: Used – Very Good Subject: Contemporary fiction, British literature, comedy of manners Fast UK delivery from RoverUK.