With Atomised, you could see that Houellebecq was headed for greatness. With Platform he has attained it. The book is a stunning achievement

Reading Houellebecq is never deflating; it is, rather, a source of constant inspiration and delight. Would that we could produce his like in England

A brilliant novel

Michel Houellebecq has put contemporary French literature back on the map in a way not seen since Camus

There is something new and rare here, a genuinely unsettling wit with a terrible tang of truth

A highly impressive first novel by Laurence Anholt . . . every reader will be swept into this highly visual world and the drama that develops within it

A thought provoking read perfect for book groups from teenage to adult

The Hypnotist unfolds steadily and beautifully, ramping up the fear, tension and hope faced by young black men in 1960s America … filled with heart and history that shocks and educates, but ultimately leaves you believing that, even in the most brutal and unstable environments, however alone you might think you are, there’s still kindness to be discovered

This fascinating hybrid of paranormal and historical fiction follows Jack, an Irish neurologist with secret hypnotic skills and Pip, a young black farmhand. The pair’s lives merge when Jack relocates to the American South and must face the realities of racial tension as well as come to terms with his own strange powers

A compelling read . . . a wonderful blend of kitchen sink realism, accurate historical detail and an atmospheric dollop of magical realism . . . it draws you in from the first page and keeps your attention until the last

Successfully captures a country sweltering in prejudice and oppression . . . I think copies of it should stand proudly on the shelves of every history classroom in the country

This is a gripping novel looking at a turbulent period of American history, and not shying away from the difficult and once everyday aspects of racism

A wonderful book with real heart . . . I can’t recommend it highly enough

A remarkable story and a thoroughly compelling read which I was unable to put down

A thrilling cross-over novel that brings us home to mutual respect and love - if there has to be one choice, this is it

I loved this moving historical story set in the American Deep South

A nod to The Color Purple and Great Expectations, this is a thought provoking read perfect for book groups from teenage to adult

A powerful evocation of a period of prejudice and injustice rarely covered in fiction for young readers

The first thing to say about this book is that it is a very good read. The second is that The Hypnotist tackles some very heavy themes