Author:Mohsin Hamid
A sharp, fresh satire for the ruthless modern world - for fans of Dave Eggers, Ben Lerner and Gary Shtenygart
'Mohsin Hamid is one of the best writers in the world, period. Only a master could have written this propulsive tale of a striver living on the knife's edge, a noir Horatio Alger story for our frenetic, violent times' Ben Fountain
This book is a self-help book. Its objective, as it says on the cover, is to show you how to get filthy rich in rising Asia. And to do that it has to find you, huddled, shivering, on the packed earth under your mother's cot one cold, dewy morning. Your anguish is the anguish of a boy whose chocolate has been thrown away, whose remote controls are out of batteries, whose scooter is busted, whose new sneakers have been stolen. This is all the more remarkable since you've never in your life seen any of these things . . .
'Even more intriguing, compelling and moving than The Reluctant Fundamentalist. A marvellous book' Philip Pullman
'Brilliantly structured, deeply felt [and] written with the confidence and bravura of a man born to write. Hamid is at the peak of his considerable powers here, and delivers a tightly paced, preternaturally wise book about a thoroughly likable, thoroughly troubled striver in the messiest, most chaotic ring of global economy. Completely unforgettable' Dave Eggers, author of The Circle
Dazzling, addictive, tremendous. A writer at the height of his powers with a hell of a story to tell
—— GuardianBeautifully conceived and exquisitely executed
—— Sunday TimesThe new voice of a changing continent. A writer at the top of his game
—— MetroNo story could be more of our time than this one. Conceptually brilliant and truly empathic
—— Nell Freudenberger , MetroAn ultra-intelligent and knowing account of life in the developing world. Simply brilliant
—— Daily MailIsn't this the definition of great fiction, that even when it begins with a character . . . who's nothing like you, by the end you are convinced that it really is about you? That's a kind of miracle
—— SalonEven more intriguing, compelling and moving than The Reluctant Fundamentalist. A marvellous book
—— Philip PullmanA dazzling stylistic tour de force; a love story disguised as a self help parody freighted with sly social satire. As timely and timeless a novel as I've read in years
—— Jay McInerneyForget apples. A walk a day really will keep the doctor away
[In Praise of Walking] it provides an antidote to the many miseries that can accumulate because of our modern, sedentary lifestyle
—— Simple ThingsWhether you’re an avid hiker or simply like to get out and do the school run on foot, this book will make you appreciate the physical, mental and societal benefits of getting outdoors on two feet.
—— Liz Connor , UK Press SyndicationAn informative yet witty book on the importance of walking for our health and wellbeing, and for societies in general
—— Liz Nice , Eastern Daily PressCompelling… A new angle on our favourite pastime
—— Walk MagazineA fascinating read… This informative book…will rouse you from the sofa and make you want to get moving
—— Eastern Daily Press, *Book of the Week*Ebullient, playful and creative... By turns caustic, astute and very, very funny.
—— Tanya Sweeney , Irish IndependentThis is the first time I've read anything about motherhood that didn't bore me... It's all really unconventional but laugh-out-loud funny.
—— Sara Pascoe , ObserverFrank and fearless... a glorious validation to all parents doing it solo.
—— Sarra Manning , RedHits that sweet spot between laugh-out-loud funny, with its accounts of first dates, LA wackiness and personal mishaps, and a lyrical lament for a life of paternity tests, an absent father and the absence of raves.
—— Eithne Farry , Sunday ExpressJoyfully crude and hilarious... Heawood is refreshingly unapologetic.
—— Eleanor Halls , Daily TelegraphAchingly tender and snort-inducingly funny.
—— Sarah Hughes , i, *Summer Reads 2020*Thought-provoking and insightful.
—— MetroUnflinchingly honest, emotionally raw, and surprisingly sweet.
—— SheerLuxeRaw and funny, Heawood’s memoir celebrates the messiness of life and motherhood with boldness, panache, and unexpected moments of real poignancy. An uncensored and eccentric delight.
—— BooklistHeawood writes with warmth and wit about life as a single mother.
—— Rachel Cooke , Observer, *Books to Look Out For in 2020*Rejoice! One of our favourite journalists Sophie Heawood – known for her hilarity and honesty – publishes her first book this year. It's a memoir about being a single mother when you haven't quite worked out how to look after yourself.
—— Arielle Tchiprout , Red *The best books we can't wait to read in 2020*[Heawood] shares her story with huge wit and sharp observation.
—— Hannah Stephenson , Irish Examiner, *12 of the best new reads for summer*A tender and hilarious account of her life as a single mother.
—— Sophie Morris , iThis [is an] incredibly candid and often LOLs memoir about how it feels to raise a baby on your own when you're more into negronis than nappies.
—— CosmopolitanReading Heawood's often outrageous and occasionally undignified anecdotes was the perfect tonic during the second national lockdown. Though hilariously funny, her story of accidental pregnancy is also tender and poignant, with her accounts of motherhood feeling far less common through a single-parent lens.
—— IndependentA tender and funny account of single parenthood
—— GuardianPacked with humour and honesty, it's also tender, moving and relatable, detailing Heawood's own evolution and growth alongside her young daughter's, and the highs and lows of solo parenting.
—— Harpers Bazaar