"Sweet Caress" by William Boyd is a sweeping historical novel that spans the tumultuous events of the 20th century, following the extraordinary life of Amory Clay, a pioneering female photographer. From her childhood in England to her adventures across Europe and America, Amory's journey is marked by love, loss, and a relentless pursuit of her passion for photography. As Amory navigates the rapidly changing world around her, she captures iconic moments in history through her lens, from the glamour of 1920s London to the horrors of World War II and the social upheaval of the 1960s. Along the way, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, including artists, writers, and politicians, each leaving their mark on her life and work. Through Amory's eyes, readers are transported to some of the most significant events of the century, including the rise of fascism in Europe, the Blitz in London, and the civil rights movement in America. Yet, amidst the chaos and turmoil, Amory finds solace and purpose in her art, using her camera to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around her. Told through a combination of narrative prose and Amory's own photographs, "Sweet Caress" is a mesmerizing exploration of