Product Description

The eagerly awaited new novel

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #159763 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 512 pages

DAILY MAIL, 30 September 2005
'[A] delicious black comedy...'

SEVEN, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, 13 Nov 2005
'Ms Harris, who produces something new with every book, has scored another success...'

WASHINGTON POST, 15 Jan 06
Irresistible...constantly surprising and wickedly fun [with] considerable entertainment value.

Customer Reviews

Intriguing
I generally enjoy Joanne Harris's novels and was exceptionally excited to get my hands on this book.

Set in England the story revolves around St. Oswalds a boys school with a twisted plot and interesting characters this book is fairly slow moving. Truthfully, I read this book very slowly (uncharacteristic of me) but the end was well worth the read.

The end produces a simple twist which had my utter attention and I recommend this book to any reader.

Left me speechless!
I have recently read this book and was amazed by it. As you probably know from reading the other reviews there is a stunning twist near the end and I was speechless that I hadn't seen it coming - I'm not really into detective type novels so wasn't looking out for a 'twist'. I even went back throught he book looking for clues but couldn't find any - even with hindsight! I felt a bit cross with myself actually! I was dumbfounded and would recommend this book to anyone. Even without the twist it is an excellent read - it transports you to another world. A world most of us are not priveleged to be a part of. If you are a teacher - beware! You may recognise yourself! And most of us will recognise a little of ourselves somewhere in the cast! Although something of a departure from the likes of Chocolat and Coastliners et al it is a superb book.

Lucy was sick on her vest so she washed it in Lux
That was our version of the Latin motto of our school although it really translated to "let your light shine through"

Why am I rambling about my schooldays ?

Because this excellent book evokes them in many ways.

The novel reminds me a little of "The Wimbledon Poisoner" meets "The Rotters Club" and it's high praise to say the writing suggests the great J L Carr

I won't give away anything about the plot - simply read and enjoy this very fine novel.