It is completely absorbing, showing Lesley Downer's deep knowledge of Japan and her mastery of its complex history during the nineteenth century.

A persuasive storyteller and the setting is mesmerising.

Superb. A wonderful evocation of an alien world, with entrancing characters and a riveting narrative that fits perfectly with the historical facts.

Lesley Downer has pulled off a remarkable achievement in making the beautiful, strange and dangerous world of one woman in a 19th-century Japan facing Western invasion utterly believable, and utterly gripping.

Atsu is what we all want to be: a courageous woman of heartbreaking intelligence… set against our own darkest selves. This tale of western imperialism has so many resonances in the modern world, written with passion, depth and brilliance, and a sense of time and place that is earning Lesley Downer a reputation as the Shogun’s Writer for the twenty first century.

What a wonderful storyteller Lesley Downer is, and what an amazing story she tells in The Shogun’s Queen. Set at a pivotal moment in Japan’s history, her novel effortlessly transported me to nineteenth century Japan. At its heart is Okatsu, Downer’s heroine for all seasons, plus a vivid cast of characters – some loyal, some treacherous – all caught up in the turbulent politics of the time. I was only sorry to reach the end of this gripping and deeply suspenseful novel.

Impeccably researched, packed with intrigue, adventure and romance, this is a wonderful evocation of a bygone time.

An epic and intricate, beautifully described story of love, bravery and sacrifice . . . a must read for fans of Japan, historical fiction and great storytelling

What Hilary Mantel is to the Tudors or Mary Beard to the Romans, Lesley Downer is to ancient Japan.

Funny, fresh, sassy and totally captured the zeitgeist when it comes to dating. If you loved GIRLS, you'll love this!

Honest, funny and cringingly relatable

Funny and honest this is a refreshing look at the modern dating scene

Laugh-out-loud funny

Melissa's engaging voice and sharp humour lift this above other dating novels

A clever premise, wittily delivered in upbeat, wisecracking style. Lauren's encounters provide a colourful snapshot of modern men and dating mores, while her breezy promiscuity makes Bridget Jones look positively nun-like. All good, dirty fun - and there's a great twist to how she gets her guy in the end. American Pimentel writes lyrically of her adopted city, and her insights into the British are as spot-on as they are hilarious

Witty, frank and candid, this book takes the reader on a hilarious tour through the world of modern dating

Frank, refreshing...such a satisfying read

Emma Straub is consistently excellent

Emma Straub is quickly making a name for herself as an author who can deftly toe the line between literary and popular writing-her books are easy to breeze through, but there's also food for thought for the discerning reader

Praise for The Vacationers

Now this is what I call good holiday reading. Straub writes beautifully and amusingly . . . hard to beat for sheer charm and gentle wit

Emma Straub puts the fun back in dysfunction

There's nothing more addictive than a darkly funny dysfunctional domestic drama. Straub's novel-set during a fraught family vacation in Mallorca-is pretty much the perfect beach read

Charming and absorbing, this is a novel that demands to be read in long, satisfying gulps

Emma Straub is a magician, full of brilliance and surprise

A gorgeous and witty storyteller

Witty and big-hearted . . . leaves you smiling for days

For those unable to jet off to a Spanish island this summer, reading The Vacationers may be the next-best thing. . . . [A] gorgeously written novel . . . When I turned the last page, I felt as I often do when a vacation is over: grateful for the trip and mourning its end

Delicious . . . richly riveting . . . The Vacationers offers all the delights of a fluffy, read-it-with-sunglasses-on-the-beach read, made substantial by the exceptional wit, insight, intelligence and talents of its author

I loved The Vacationers; funny and poignant and beautifully observed

Straub's novel is cast from the same mould as the likes of Liza Klaussmann's Tigers in Red Weather and Maggie Shipstead's Seating Arrangements . . . The Vacationers is a holiday read in every way with a gently witty narrative that slips down as easily as a beachside cocktail

Emma Straub is a gorgeous and witty storyteller

Intimate, epic, beautifully observed

Witty and big-hearted ... leaves you smiling for days

Charming and absorbing

Funny, poignant and beautifully observed