Picked up this World Book Night UK & NI 2011 copy for 99p in the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline Charity Shop, Pinstone Street, Sheffield - Details had not been completed by first giver so I bought to re-register and get moving for free again :)

Adding to round two of Ythan's VBB

ETA Nov 14 - Back on the available shelf.

Adding to Plum-crazy's random bookbox

Enjoy!!

Chosen from the Book Box - one of those novels you've heard of but never read! Now I shall ...

I can't say that I knew what to expect from this book...it was I picked purely because I recognised the title and it was in a World Book Day cover. I didn't have hugely high hopes of it either, but I was drawn into this singularly insular, yet global story, which kind of explains what it's all about. The narrator is a young man whose dreams and wishes are turned on their head by a tragically doomed love affair and by witnessing America's reaction to the attack on the Twin Towers in New York. There is no real radicalism here, no anti or pro Islamic stance, and only a smattering of politics. There is a gentle anti-American stance, but only in a questioning way, a exploration of feelings for a situation he can see getting out of control! And, you have to admit, a question that rattles around in your head and makes you think.

I love the narrative, the style, the prose, the setting, the slightly ambiguous ending - I love the descriptions of the food and the wine and the restaurant - I thought Erica was a slightly annoying and troubled character, but I still loved that it worked within the context of the story. I love the silliness over the names of the characters and the over-the-top corporate-ness of the financial firm. In fact, I just loved this book!

Highly recommended.

Chosen from Bookmooch.com - hope you enjoy it!

Received from bookmooch. Looking forward to it based on your entry dark-Draco!

Left on bench opposite the palace