""A feast of a novel ... This book is very much a hit"" -- John Sutherland The Times ""Louis de Bernieres is in the direct line that runs through Dickens and Evelyn Waugh... he has only to look into his world, one senses, for it to rush into reality, colours and touch and taste"" Evening Standard ""This, [De Bernieres]' eighth novel, proves that he can and is still producing Good Things"" -- Fiona Wilson The Times ""A richly rewarding read"" -- Vanessa Berridge Daily Express ""De Bernieres is an astute observer of the human heart, and his account of an idealistic young woman learning to live in the real world is beautifully observed"" Mail on Sunday