Death in Little Venice (literary fiction)

An illegal immigrant embarks on a masochistic relationship with Max, a rich and predatory older man. Needing constant escalation, Max invites a third man -- younger, coarser, better-looking -- to join them, and a deadly game ensues. As the refugee undergoes a gradual empowerment, all three are sucked into a vortex of rage and resentment, and the passions unleashed build to a shattering climax.

In parts evocative of Genet's classic film, "Un Chant d'Amour", this is a tale of elegant depravity, of bondage and decadence and a stucco-fronted townhouse. A dark and beautiful book, and a striking debut.