Reveals many of Maugham's strengths: an understanding of women, meticulous craftsmanship and raw emotion'

A work of art

An expert craftsman... His style is sharp, quick, subdued, casual

A good book... extremely well done

A sharply observed slice of modern British life, cutting across race, class and generational divides to reveal the complexities we're constantly negotiating

Urgent and enquiring

There are some moving passages, notably his father's arresting deathbed monologue about the racism and brutality he endured in an unfairly hard life

Phillips subtly conveys a changing sense of attitude and perspective... It is a bleak message, brilliantly delivered