'An odd but splendidly imagined fish, part novel, part reverie. Marsden has a dazzling gift for poetic evocation - and for reminding us that Britain is not an island.' John Fowles, Spectator 'An extraordinary, multi-faceted narrative. From diaries and memories it recreates the true story of two polish women - mother and daughter - amid the destruction of a whole culture' Colin Thubron, Daily Telegraph 'He is an exquisite writer, with the elegant style, light historical touch and detachment of a storyteller . incandescent . the best travel writing I have read on Poland.' Simon Sebag Montefiore, Sunday Times 'A tragic, uplifting elegy to a remarkable family. Philip Marsden's work will invigorate travel literature by helping to propel it over the boundary into unexplored territory.

' Rory Maclean, Times Literary Supplement.