Erikson is an extrodinary writer...treat yourself to Gardens of the Moon

An astounding debut...has the potential to become a defining work

Complex, challenging...Erikson's strengths are his grown-up characters and his ability to create a world every bit as intricate and messy as our own

There's nothing safe about fantasy like this: intriguing, complex, thought provoking, exceedingly well-written, and, for the intelligent reader, exhilaratingly satisfying

Woodward wears his influences lightly, and tells this strange story about living and dying in a voice as beautiful and bright as it is learned

There are some wonderful set pieces, some needle sharp observations... and some delightful comic moments

If this exquisitely written, funny, touching finale doesn't actually win something, then there's no justice

Woodward's novels rise far above the ordinary. His characters are wonderfully complex and rich

It is Woodward's special ability to extract even from these grim beginnings some grounds for hope, and , indeed, some comic potential

Assured and accomplished

Above all an unsentimental tribute to family

Woodward wonderfully depicts the ignominies of old age and bereavement

Quite brilliant ... the writing is scintillatingly good at times, working up to vivid and hilarious scenes ... a book that alerts you to the whole beautiful absurdity of life