Wonderful stuff. But then, Coetzee is wonderful: edgy, black, remorselessly human, witty, and often outright funny... Summertime is offbeat and deliberate, elusive and truthful

The cumulative effect of Coetzee's unblinking honesty and his never-wavering seriousness is an understanding of the creation of a great writer

A subtle, allusive meditation: an intriguing map of a weak character's constricted heart struggling against the undertow of suspicion within South Africa's claustrophobic, unpoetic, overtly macho society

A poignant, cubistic portrait...It is not essential, however, that one know anything of Boyhood, Youth, or his other works to appreciate its rich offerings as an imaginatively distorted and distorting portrait of the artist as outsider

Compelling, funny, moving and full of life

Rich and brilliant ... Fiona Mountain is an extraordinary talent, an impressive writer and an exceptional storyteller

Fiona Mountain has written a powerful and sexually charged novel set in the shadow of the English Civil War. Lady of the Butterflies is a fascinating historical novel capturing the life of Eleanor Glanville, a woman of terrific scientific discipline and worldly passion. Eleanor's life is one of personal upheaval and her story is set in the Somerset Marshlands that face social and agricultural revolution. Mountain's novel describes Eleanor's discovery of the Glanville Fritillary, a rare butterfly that reflects Eleanor's immense strength, beauty and frailty. It's a brilliant historical novel filled with fascinating detail and stunning imagery

Well written, beautifully descriptive and completely engrossing, it's a must for all who enjoy historical fiction

The author of this wonderful book has done impeccable research and through her skilful writing we feel all of Eleanor's passions and dilemmas ... Whenever I see a butterfly, I shall think of this book

This story of science and witchcraft is just the sort of thing reading groups love.

An unashamedly romantic and sweeping historical romp

Mixing historical research with the imagination of a true novelist, Mountain brings this fascinating story to life

Misery memoirs may no longer be the flavour of the month, but according to Susan Hill's new novel, their consequences can be far reaching. In search of a quick buck, middle-aged journalist Frank Prime pens a bestseller detailing his childhood on a remote North Country farm.

Not a word is wasted in this chilling novella

A thought-provoking story

This novel is short, beautifully crafted and gripping

A work of great creepiness and subtle power. It will linger 'orribly in the mind.

Expertly structured, her beautifully written prose as haunting as the best ghost story

From ghost stories to crime thrillers to children's novels, Susan Hill is a writer of striking versatility. 'The Beacon' is a literary novel - done to spectacular effect

A marvellous book

A perfectly pitched novel that captures its characters and their dilemmas.