Such a wonderful book urging us all to stay kind to one another, to be brave and to be yourselves.

This King Lear set in contemporary India has a lot going for it. The pace, the setting and the well researched material all shine through. I simply couldn‘t empathise with any character though - that maybe how it is intended

Extraordinary portrayal of silent acquiescence of darkness engulfing a Patriarchal family. Probably among the best short novels I have ever read.

Great tips for focussed attention

Beautiful - like a beloved Neruda‘s love poem. Rich, flowing and wonderfully complete. It tackles wars, love, duty and the conflicting affections of an emigrant. A long petal of the sea is an equally apt metaphor for the book as it is for the country it is set in.

The forces that shaped my world - liberalisation, globalisation and deeply rooted heritage that make me and others of my generation. The Capital of Change.

Wonderfully eccentric

Compelling in its portrayal of the everyday numbness that creeps into love.

The history of last decade in England through the eyes of characters of all ages, ideologies and backgrounds. The Brexit divide that broke families, formed unlikely alliances and made a nation of two rather than one. The thrill of watching the London Olympics and the perplexity of the Brexit day. I moved to this country exactly a decade ago and so it‘s my immigrant history as well.

How utterly relevant today

A Fascinating read

Extraordinary, compelling and life changing. There is science behind why I love to sleep!

A book about growing up, love and loss. Finding love and support in unlikely places and times.

SEND DOWN ANOTHER BOTTLE. Champagne as a prescription drug by Ailing.

Look how pretty! It is among the funniest books I read!

Nothing could be further from my interests than mountaineering and slapstick British parody/comedy. It speaks volumes about this classic that I genuinely adored this gem - and loved the unlikely funny yet somehow genuine characters. I was attracted to it thanks to the gorgeous new hardbound version I found at Hatchards (don‘t judge me for judging a book by its cover!)