Winner of the 1999 James Tait Black Memorial Prize. A writer of immense gifts, energy and wit. Nothing is off limits, he respects no borders. His style is tough and elegant in equal measure and exercises considerable force' - The Times 'Almost alone among that band of young English novelists who made their names in the 1980s he continues to produce hugely entertaining and serious novels that look as if they were based on practical experience' - D J Taylor, The Times'