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A haunting, hypnotic and enticing novel of grief and desire, by one of Australia's finest, most assured novelists. Shelley's lover, Conrad, died in an accident three years ago. Now, still in a state of subdued grief, Shelley has just moved into an old Victorian terrace in Paddington with David, her new partner. In the bedroom is a large walk-in closet and not long after they move in, she discovers a door within the closet which opens to a mysterious, small, bare room. There is a window, a fireplace and a beautiful chandelier. But nothing else. Visiting a nearby antique store one day, she sees a red velvet sofa. When Kieran, the shop assistant, delivers the couch to Shelley's house, he reminds her of Conrad - and soon they fall into an erotic relationship. And so begins this intriguing novel, which becomes a journey through grief and desire, betrayal and loss. At its heart lies the red velvet sofa within the mysterious empty room - a room which sometimes lets in Shelley, and sometimes denies her entry. A waking dream of a novel, HOLD is sensual, strange and unsettling. 'A novelist with a commanding talent' The Monthly