Fiona Drye – Google

She has developed some interesting characters who stay in the mind, but a totally unnecessary mixing of several time scales which disrupts the narrative. Whilst it's obviously designed to build to a climax whilst incorporating minor cliffhanger moments involving three characters, it would have been simpler and more fluent to reduce these to two. Some ancient South American religious beliefs and cultures are researched and brought to life only certain pockets of landscapes are convincingly portrayed so that the reader, like the protagonists, feels trapped, whether it be by blindness, the confines of a boat, prison, cave or tower. The lack of light makes many of these feel identical and, for a sun drenched continent, cold is pervasive.

A wonderful novel, full of verve, humour and pathos. Its characters are beautifully drawn. The personal microcosm of life within the hotel entwines and contrasts with the terrifying Stalinist macrocosm outside its revolving door. Although condemned to life under house arrest within its interior, the Count's wisdom and charm sustain both him and the friends he nurtures within its walls, young and old. Ultimately, hope and love outwit nihilism. Elegantly written and expertly paced, it is a joy to read.