Netherland

It's such a pleasure to be bowled over by an author you've never read before. I've just finished Netherland by Joseph O'Neill and feel both moved and inspired.

Dwight Garner sums it up pretty well in The New York Times (although I don't agree with his minor criticisms at the end).

In some ways it reminded me of an Ian McEwan novel - lots of cool writing and forensic detail - but more compelling and truthful for me than any McEwan.

Astonishing that it didn't make the shortlist for the Booker.