Patrick Gale

A fascinating novel which tackles all the big themes of life in an unexpectedly quiet manner, but with such enormous competence that it left me much moved and full of admiration. The narration keeps one in a constant state of surprise, while the psychological insight into the large cast of characters (and even the minor ones have a genuine solidity) is always trenchant and telling. The writing is always dense, subtle, elegant and highly intelligent. I loved every word of it.