Jack is five. He lives with his Ma. They live in a single, locked room. They don’t have the key. Jack and Ma are prisoners. ‘This book will break your heart . . . It is the most vivid, radiant and beautiful expression of maternal love I have ever read’ Irish Times ‘Startlingly original and moving . . . Endearing and as utterly compelling as THE LOVELY BONES’ Scotsman ‘I’ve never read a more heart-burstingly, gut wrenchingly compassionate novel . . . As for sweet, bright, funny Jack, I wanted to scoop him up out of the novel and never let him go’ Daily Mail ‘This is a truly remarkable novel. It presents an utterly unique way to talk about love, all the while giving us a fresh, expansive eye on the world in which we live’ New York Times Book Review

On the bookshelf, by the community noticeboards, in what was the old entrance to the museum.

What a fabulous read. It took me a while to get into Jack's voice as the narrator, but after that I couldn't put it down. Really interesting idea about what it must be like for children of abductees living in such impoverished surroundings. I loved the ideas that Ma came up with to keep Jake busy and stimulated through the day - made me think about how I need to try harder when I am running out of ideas to entertain my children! Also gave great perspective on any child having to understand the adult world around them, what do adults really mean, how to negotiate social rules.

Releasing in the campsite we are staying at in France - in the bar on the bookshelf.

Released in the bar of the campsite - on the bookshelf.