From the shocking opening to the very last page, this is the one book I really hated to put down until I was done. It's so textured . . . I also love that she's a black, or blackish, girl – so often YA does not contain them (or only as peripheral characters) – and she is such a fascinating protagonist. I also loved the skilful way Johnson turned us around on some characters. I could not ask for more in a YA novel, to be honest. I'd give it all the awards if I could

A rich and entertaining tale which raises questions and challenges assumptions

The book has a lot to say about who we are and the pretences we put on for other people, and also about the limited chances in life that a woman had . . . The historical period comes to life well in the book, although it also has a lot to say that is relevant today.

A well researched, finely written re-imagining of an actual historical figure, The Curious Tale of The Lady Caraboo sheds light on how identity is formed and shaped by the stories we tell about ourselves and the stories, like that of the ‘exotic other’, that are projected upon us . . . A great yarn with a beguiling central character

Enchanted August is a true charmer of a novel, written with humour, sensitivity, and a huge amount of heart. I fell in love with the glorious Maine setting and with the quirky and endearing characters who find themselves thrown together there. It’s a perfect summer read – for any time of the year

Bowen has conjured up a delightful and inviting island summer complete with all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Maine to create a feast for the senses…this feel-good story will make an enjoyable summer read for romance lovers

Bowen crafts an old-fashioned love story with humor and heart as well as a lush setting, quirky characters, and a well-paced narrative

With touches of Shakespearian comedy, this is. . . bright and kind and optimistic. A thoroughly pleasant summer read as breezy as the island itself

A heartwarming read, allowing the reader absorb the briny air, the taste of boiled lobsters, and cozy gatherings that bring one back to the languorous days of long ago endless summers

A suitably surreal cocktail of Kafka, Lagos life and Nigerian wit

A really interesting and different novel from many of the things I have read, or have seen published, this year. You can simply read it as a darkly witty escapist fairytale/myth/fable or you can or as a wonderful, satirical and occasionally daring way to look at society and questions of class, gender and race. Either way you are going to have a great read ahead of you

Barrett’s novel forces the reader to consider important questions regarding the human condition and is a worthwhile read precisely because of the difficult questions it raises.

Barrett reworks Kafka’s family drama as an urban odyssey and make a stunning success of it.