'An atmosphere of crazy cheerfulness...undercut by moments of poignancy...a pleasure to read'

'This quirky novel is a must for Kate Atkinson and John Irving fans who are fond of a surreal read'

'A lovely tale of teenage love and companionship in a world where all adults seem insane'

'An extraordinary journey through the life of an extraordinary family, chronicled by a child-woman you will not forget'

'Leslie Marshall ... is the Homer of dysfunctional modern family life. This is the best first novel I've read in years'

'Make sure you have a lot of time on your hands before you open Lesley Marshall's debut novel, A Girl Could Stand Up. You'll find it hard to tear yourself away'

'A page-turner that will disarm and charm. A stand-out talent'

'Utterly real...rendered with truthfulness and charm'

'Lively, slightly breathless comic narrative...this game is worth the candle'

'Fun, funny, fast-paced'

'Distinctive debut novel'

Very funny

An almost divine comedy that conjures up an underworld whose sinners are more likely to be guilty of sartorial, not satanic, misdemeanors

A moving and disturbing tale of love and loyalty. And you might cry