A remarkable book, particularly so because of the voice of the 5 year old narrator. Jack is an wonderful creation—writing a believable child's voice gets harder the younger the child and, I would argue the older the audience, so it's as remarkable a technical achievement on Donoghue's part as it is a creative one.

The premise is well known; what people who have heard of the book but not yet read it may not realise is how utterly compelling it is. Audrey Niffenegger is quoted on the front cover blurb about reading it in one sitting—I didn't quite manage that, but it's a book that I fairly galloped through thanks to the clarity of the prose (even given Jack's linguistic quirks) and the sheer fascination with Jack and Ma's story. Donoghue is an incredibly versatile writer—I mostly know her short stories Kissing the Witch—but I also have The Sealed Letter waiting to be read (my mother really liked that one) and I'm keen also to read Slammerkin. So much to look forward to!