Andrew Norman

The perfect companion piece to Clark’s later 'Valhalla’, another tender and compassionate account of a misunderstood youth set against the shenanigans of European royalty. Mr Clark’s sparkling style has produced a compelling page-turner and bodice ripper. A quick slope out of Marlborough House for a bit of rough trade in St James’s Park anyone?

What a great book and what a truly original talent! In this slim volume and through the medium of verse, Mr Arab vibrantly colours in his characters with a virtuosic vocabulary, sharp intellect and sparkling wit that takes the reader quite by surprise. Well, I laughed out loud! Some of Ruth’s put-downs were worthy of Dorothy Parker. I cannot imagine why this isn’t on a best-seller's list. Oh! And it's a real turn-on (in a highly subtle way). Do yourselves a favour out there and read it!