Having read Music and silence together some time ago, we eagerly anticipated Tremain's latest offering.... but were left a little disappointed. This is a topical offering, but still lacked a certain....something. The writing itself was assured; no complaints there, but the plot failed to convince. Lev's remarkable grasp of English, his capacity to fall on his feet, the people just waiting around the corner to help him build a new life in England all smacked of fairy tale.

But perhaps this IS a modern day fairytale, complete with villains and godmothers ready to either hinder or advance Lev's progress depending on the plot twists necessary to develop character and drive the narrative onward. The essence of the novel tells the story of Eastern European Lev, who leaves his home for a better life in the UK. He still has family back home and strives against moderate obstacles to send money back to them. His triumphs and setbacks are all described from a first person perspective, complete with past life flashbacks to flesh out his character and provide context.

If you want to read about real poverty and hardship in a foreign land, I recommend you read 'Down and out in Paris and London' by George Orwell. This realistic chronicle of living as a down and out, working for scraps in a kitchen is an real eye opener and far more compelling.

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