A copy should be given out with every bus pass.

A brilliant novel. It is sadly comic and comically sad

He was a genuine comic writer, probably the best after P. G. Wodehouse ... He had a lasting influence and was a very good novelist

A bloody funny lovely bloody book... A genius at full throttle

In these explicit days, Mr Amis is the laureate of the unsayable, the literary it man

Things like this - the relentless march of history, the ongoing agony of grief, can only be captured in something that is long, something that argues persuasively that there is merit in obduracy, something whose rewards are hard-won. At times the rewards of Pacazo may seem particularly hard-won but they are worth it.

[MacLeod's] capacity to encapsulate entire lives in the span of a few pages rivals Alice Munro. This is one of the finest collections of short fiction to appear . . . in a long, long time.

Stunningly assured debut...the quality of this collection, is remarkable...for me, a good short story always leaves the reader wanting more. On this evidence, I certainly want more Alexander MacLeod.

Light Lifting arrives bearing Giller Prize and Frank O'Connor Award nominations. These are more than warranted. Alexander MacLeod looks like a heavyweight in the making

MacLeod structures the [stories] brilliantly, deftly switching from one narrative thread to another whilst maintaining a pulse-quickening tension

It feels - like a truly good short story should - crafted, meant, complete. He's his father's son alright.

MacLeod shows himself to be a highly accomplished writer able to generate atmosphere, produce credible characters and dialogue, and enter a variety of situations

The collection is shot through with an intensely-felt physicality and honesty, and beautifully textured. You’ll want to re-read it as soon as you finish

Brutally hard and blub-provokingly tender by turns, they’re the work of a writer proving himself to be a proper Carver-esque class-act.

MacLeod, the son of revered Canadian novelist and short story writer Alistair MacLeod, has recently been shortlisted for four literary prizes. On this evidence, he deserves it

Alexander Macleod is clearly a serious writer who observes the world closely

Ontario writer Alexander MacLeod’s Light Lifting arrives across the Atlantic laden with praise.

A gripping, controlled collection that wields a wonderful distilled power.

Short stories aren’t usually known for boosting adrenaline levels, but Canadian author Alexander Macleod’s debut collection isn’t one for the bedside table… firmly rooted in work and family Macleod’s relaxed story-telling will make you feel anything but

Tipped as one of the best books of the year by Canadian critics…these are superbly crafted tales…MacLeod does his father proud with this debut

Both visceral and gracious in approach he delicately balances the physical stress and strain of everyday lives with mental and emotional tolls