Sugar and Spice

This rousing first novel traverses the slums of Brazil, the fashion districts of Paris and the jet-set circles of New York City. Divorcee and neophyte journalist Pandora Doyle receives a magazine assignment to profile the mysterious Arianne de la Force, widow of an exceptionally wealthy man. As if by rote, Arianne describes for Pamela her privileged childhood in rural Brazil, her career as a top model in Paris, her marriage. When this tame interview concludes, Pamela witnesses a lurid exchange between Arianne's daughter Gloria and Charles Murdoch, Arianne's kept man. Pamela's subsequent discretion leads to a friendship that gives both women a chance to reevaluate their priorities. Arianne fights to keep her past secret as both Charles and Gloria attempt to exploit her. Pandora seeks career success and strives to overcome her unhappy romantic history without, however, allowing her lover to assume control of her life. Gill is particularly adept in his use of time, intermingling past and present to create a lively sequence of revelations. His Arianne is a compelling figure, and readers will devour even the protracted narrative to learn her ultimate fate. (Feb.)