Author:Caryl Phillips

Social worker Keith, separated from his wife and their teenage son, is floundering in a world of fraught sexual politics, parental responsibilities and class expectations. He takes refuge from his domestic problems in a long-cherished writing project and a renewed relationship with his aging father, who came to Britain as part of the windrush generation, but for the first time in his life he begins to feel extremely vulnerable as a black man in English society.
Meanwhile Annabelle watches the man she married against the wishes of her parents struggle with his grip on reality. Despite their three year estrangement, she realises that they have no choice but to close ranks if they are to protect their son from a world of street gangs and violence.
Impressive... The extended conclusion is expertly done; the sense of loss it conjures, lasting
—— Stephanie Cross , Daily MailCaryl Phillips is an alpha-class writer, both as a phrase-maker and an observer of human nature
—— Max Davidson , Mail on SundayThere is rich material here
—— Jane Shilling , Evening StandardA good book... extremely well done
—— GuardianA sharply observed slice of modern British life, cutting across race, class and generational divides to reveal the complexities we're constantly negotiating
—— MetroUrgent and enquiring
—— Lesley McDowell , Independent on SundayThere are some moving passages, notably his father's arresting deathbed monologue about the racism and brutality he endured in an unfairly hard life
—— Daniel Bolger , The Irish TimesPhillips subtly conveys a changing sense of attitude and perspective... It is a bleak message, brilliantly delivered
—— HeraldPraise for Liane Moriarty
—— -Every single one of her books is a great read
—— E! OnlineStaggeringly brilliant, literally unputdownable
—— Sophie HannahKeeps you guessing until the very end - perfect summer read
—— Reese WitherspoonMoriarty writes vividly, wittily and wickedly
—— Sunday ExpressThe writing is beautiful: sometimes funny, sometimes sad but always compelling
—— Good HousekeepingLike drinking a pink cosmo laced with arsenic . . . a fun, engaging and sometimes disturbing read
—— USA TodayRiveting drama packed with suspense and secrets
—— Woman & HomeWise, honest, beautifully observed. One of the few writers I'll drop anything for
—— Jojo MoyesStraight-from-life characters, knife-sharp insight and almost unbearable suspense will have you racing through it
—— Good HousekeepingPerfect
—— Hello!A hell of a good book. Funny and scary
—— Stephen KingA cracking story cleverly told
—— FabulousFascinating and compassionate
—— Daily Telegraph