annerman Shortlist has been announced. Six authors. Six stories. And Gideon Bannerman is missing. ‘Colin Batrouney’s new novel is unexpected and alluring. Balancing out satire which hits home with feelings which run deep is something only truly accomplished writers can achieve and he does.’ DAVID HARE

The Bannerman Shortlist is a beauty. It’s clever, original, and compelling. It’s the best contemporary novel I’ve read for quite some time.’ ANDREA GOLDSMITH

‘Batrouney’s new novel is an exquisite joy, one of the most pleasurable books I have read in ages. The joy is in the elegance and assurance of the writing, in the sophistication and wit of the satire, and in the richly imagined characters and narrative. What a pure delight! I wanted to stay within its pages for the longest time.’ CHRISTOS TSIOLKAS

‘A wicked invention, and very, very funny.’ DAVID MARR