Eerily compelling -- William Leith Evening Standard A quietly incendiary piece of writing, at times heartbreaking, at other times really wonderfully funny ... a profoundly humane, funny and smart novel. Independent A novel shot through with Banks's trademark humour, political engagement and hope. -- Louise Welsh The Times Wonderfully exuberant ... written with the life-enhancing verve characteristic of Banks's best work. Scotsman Vintage Banks, full of heart, black comedy and vitriol. Mirror A compelling, raw book -- William Leith Evening Standard Banks' handling of big, complex themes is skilful and satisfying, and he concludes on a quietly moving note of compassion. The List Infallibly entertaining Telegraph Banks's relaxed fluency - the direct, funny, unpretentious intelligence of his writing, which, along with his teeming imagination, made him perhaps Britain's best-loved major contemporary novelist. Guardian