A devastating novel of love and desire and one man's search for his soul in a world of violence and political intrigue, which was shortlisted for the Whitbread Novel Award 1998

Shortlisted for Whitbread Book Awards: Novel Category 1998.

'A mighty achievement... vision, imagination and gravitas' -- Times 'A writer to watch, a genuine and gifted novelist' -- Cole Moreton, Independent 'As lush and sensual as ripe mangoes' -- Financial Times 'I have not read such a good thriller in years' -- Ian Thomson, Evening Standard 'Compelling... the power of this fine novel lies in its detached subtlety... a memorable book with a ring of deeply felt authenticity' -- Hugo Hamilton, Sunday Tribune

Ronan Bennett was born and brought up in Belfast. He is the author of The Second Prison (which was shortlisted for the Irish Times/Aer Lingus prize) and Overthrown by Strangers. He has written screenplays for film and television, including the acclaimed Face, directed by Antionia Bird, and is currently working on an adaptation of Seamus Deane's Booker shortlisted Reading in the Dark.