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Former Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis, whose retail group includes the Ryman and Robert Dyas chains, told the BBC the measure was ruining UK High Streets.

“I add my own love to the history of people who have loved beautiful things,” says protagonist Theo at the end of his tale, finding moments of joy amid despair.

An adolescent whose life is fractured after he survives an attack in a museum that took his mother, Theo is raised into Manhattan wealth but brokenhearted.

Tartt’s detailed, enveloping prose and the winding twists of Theo’s life connect not just to a piece of art but to human emotions and a sense of beauty that stretches across time.

Samantha very quickly learns about Theo’s personality and behaviors and needs, and adapts to be his perfect companion; the two bond so fast and intimately that they become romantic partners, even engaging in phone/chatbot/telepathy sex.