The Illusionist is a 1995 novel by Irish author Jennifer Johnston, and considered one of her best works.

In the first, set in Dublin, 58-year-old Stella Glover meets with her daughter Robin after the funeral of her estranged husband Martyn, and seeks reconciliation with her.

He refuses to tell her anything about his family, his past or the nature of his career, he provides her with every luxury but insists she gives him privacy.

Eventually Martyn's behaviour becomes increasingly difficult and Stella is forced to leave him and her daughter behind and return to her parents in Dublin.

But to Robin, Martyn continues to be the perfect father and she cannot forgive Stella for leaving him...