"A Strange delight. A rare book that mature readers will appreciate on one level while younger readers enjoy on another." -The Washington Post "Glorious. A story that will be found and enjoyed and dreamed about for years to come." -Neil Gaiman "If ever a book like this was needed, it is now. Dhikilo is a splendid heroine for our time: She stands for kindness, honesty and humanity. Her triumph will have readers rejoicing." -Diane Setterfield "Faber's writing is so dizzyingly accomplished that he is able to convince you that, just sometimes, the old stories are the best ones.

" -The Guardian "This splendid tale will enchant readers of all ages." -Publishers Weekly, starred review "Clever and enjoyable, this Narnia-like work will delight any fantasy buff." -Library Journal Past Praise for Michel Faber "I can't remember being so continually and unfailingly surprised by any book for a long time. Completely compelling and believable." -Philip Pullman "Remarkable. The fantastic is so nicely played against the day-to-day that one feels the strangeness of both." -New York Times "A work of originality and insight, as gripping as any thriller." -The Times 'Highly imaginative, unusual and thought-provoking.

' -Daily Mail "Michel Faber never fails to tell his story with wit, intelligence and charm." -Sunday Telegraph "A fascinating, fantastic fever-dream of a novel. both brilliantly derivative and absolutely unique." -Bookreporter.