Review: The Affair by Gill Paul

 Rome 1961. The cameras roll on the film set of Cleopatra and the explosive Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton love affair is about to capture the world’s attention.
 
When Diana Bailey begins work as a historical advisor, tensions are running high. The film is in financial crisis and a media storm is brewing over the Taylor-Burton relationship.
 
Diana adjusts to a new life away from her troubled marriage, and strikes up a close friendship with Helen, a young make-up artist, as well as seeking solace in Ernesto, a charismatic member of the film crew. But Helen is harbouring a dark secret - one that will affect Diana in more ways than she could ever imagine…
 
An enthralling story of love and passion, set against the stunning backdrop of one of the most iconic Hollywood movies ever made

I've been wanting to read this book for a while so was pleased when I finally got my hands on it. The plot is much deeper and darker than I was expecting, which can only be a good thing. What really sells this book though is its setting, and it's easy to see how Diana was seduced by the glamour and beauty of the Italian film set. The Taylor/Burton romance is one that fascinates the public even to this day, and the glimpses into the world behind the scenes of the making of Anthony and Cleopatra made the novel even more interesting. Gill Paul's research into her subject and attention to detail really pay off, leaving us with a wonderful novel with many layers and storylines that all intertwine. I couldn't help but feel for Diana and I understood why she acted the way she did, and I really wanted Scott to get the career making scoop that he craved. This book was everything that I hoped it would be and more. Easily one of the best books that I've read this year!