In the 70's, Chris Carver was an idealistic revolutionary activist living in London. He joins up with a group of like-minded people out to change the world but, as the dynamic of the group shifts and grows, they become less ideal and more violent. The results are not pretty, and Chris goes into hiding. When the book opens, it is 30 years later and Chris is now Michael Frame. But he can't hide forever and this is abruptly confirmed as the reappearance of an old friend and a violent past both come knocking uninvited on his door.

Kunzru is a good story teller, and the transformation of the characters is believable and thorough. The book jumps from present, to recent past, to 20 years ago, and it's a seamless movement. I really enjoyed the political discussions of the young revolutionaries, the reprints of their diatribes and propaganda. The belief they had in their movement was both honest and seductive, and I found myself simultaneously disgusted by their actions and wishing to join up with them.

Parts of the book seemed a bit rushed, most notably the end. For all the build up, it ties itself up too quickly, too neatly, and only touches on things I wish had been discussed more. Overall, this was a good, fast read, exciting and thought-provoking, and I recommend it.