The modern writer who has influenced me the most

Brilliant dialogue writing...as exciting as any gangster story of modern politics

Sublimely funny and moving...by the time I'd finished this sleek little novel I'd laughed out loud numerous times and, eventually, cried. That's as true a testimony to a book's loveliness as I know

A striking and wise novel, deceptively slight yet emotionally profound

This is a silk stocking of a novel: fragile, light - and yet possessed of surprising tensile strength...making it look this simple is a real art

De Bernieres is a skilful writer, poetic but unforced, who can soothe you like a masseur, telling well-oiled stories of past excitements, and then just when you are drifting off, dexterously tweak a pressure point

Attractive and completely compelling

A beautifully written and compelling story

De Bernière's mellifluent, clear prose slips through the reader's mind with efficient ease

By the end I was impressed, moved and touched

A bittersweet love story

You'll soon be as captivated by Roza's colourful tale as Chris is

A bitter-sweet story of missed opportunities