Skin Deep

With a beautifully crafted narrative encapsulating both the 1980s and the present day, Skin Deep is the powerful new novel by Laura Wilkinson. In a world obsessed with the perfect image, former model Diana is used to being judged solely on her looks. Yet she craves love and acceptance – and as she tries to make her mark as an artist, her insecurities deepen. A chance encounter with Cal – a boy with a congenital deformity who lives largely hidden from the world – changes everything. As Cal becomes Diana's muse, fame follows for them both – but at what cost? And is it truly possible to find acceptance in a society where first impressions mean everything? It's what's inside that counts... Art student and former model Diana has always been admired for her beauty, but what use are good looks when you want to shine for your talent? Insecure and desperate for inspiration, Diana needs a muse. Facially disfigured four-year-old Cal lives a life largely hidden from the world. But he was born to be looked at and he needs love too. A chance encounter changes everything and Cal becomes Dianas muse. But as Dianas reputation develops and Cal grows up, their relationship implodes. Both struggle to be accepted for what lies within. Is it possible to find acceptance in a society where what's on the outsidecounts for so much? Art student and former model Diana has always been admired for her beauty, but what use are good looks when you want to shine for your talent? Insecure and desperate for inspiration, Diana needs a muse. Facially disfigured four-year-old Cal lives a life largely hidden from the world. But he was born to be looked at and he needs love too. A chance encounter changes everything and Cal becomes Diana's muse. But as Diana's reputation develops and Cal grows up, their relationship implodes. Both struggle to be accepted for what lies within. Is it possible to find acceptance in a society where what's on the outside counts for so much?