A gripping and deeply moving book about love, fear and hope
Irish Times
An epic, intimate human drama, both brutal and breathtaking
Hereford Times
Be inspired by Patrick Gale's entree to historical fiction... the deep undercurrents of love and desire that give the novel its pull will awaken you
Independent magazine
[A] fascinating novel ... Read more
Helen Dunmore
Guardian
A gorgeously written, bittersweet story about secrets and identity
Good Housekeeping
Lightness of touch, one of Gale's characters observes, is desirable in a novelist, and it is one of Gale's virtues...Rich in atmosphere and period detail...this enjoyable tale is both witty and poignant
Daily Mail
Gale employs his gift as a writer to will such pockets of tolerance retrospectively into existence - for the sake of his relative, as well, perhaps, as for all of us. Humanity does not look quite so wretched through Patrick Gale's eyes
Spectator
A mesmerising storyteller; this novel is written with intelligence and warmth
The Times
Mr Gale often uses autobiographical detail to good effect; here, he has excelled himself with the historical detail, resulting in a beautifully written, satisfying story that deserves to be a bestseller
Country Living Magazine
Gale is a skilful storyteller
Metro
This is a convincing and fascinating portrait of daily life over a century ago in a far away place. The mixture of adventure, historical saga and romance is utterly heartwrenching
Sunday Mirror
His best book yet
Country Life
Gale is not a sentimental writer, he's vividly aware of hardship and despair, but the overwhelming emotion in this fine book is one of tender, life-affirming joy
Sun
A master storyteller. Quite simply, you believe every word he tells you
Independent on Sunday
A dramatic and affecting portrayal of dislocation, extreme environments and the traumatic effects of enforced secrecy
Observer
This is an intensely personal book. Gale was inspired by a true tale from his own family history, and the depth of feeling shows. It's one gay man reaching out to another across a century of social change, and his most powerfully moving novel yet
Independent
A tender tale of loss and love
Sunday Times
Bold, moving, intensely erotic - I couldn't put down this tale of passion and endurance, told with such tenderness.
Patricia Duncker Beautifully structured around the warmest of warm hearts, but it's also run through with something new: a devastating chill of loss, fear and exile which keeps you shaking your head and biting your lip in concern and shame and disbelief.
Louisa Young Absorbing, moving and beautifully written, with echoes of EM Forster which I found especially enjoyable.
Amanda Craig Patrick Gale has written a book which manages to be both tender and epic, and carries the unmistakeable tang of a true story. I loved it.
Jojo Moyes Show Less