Byline: JOHN KOSKI
A Week in December by SebaStian FaulkS (Vintage, [pounds sterling]7.99) If Charles Dickens were alive today, this is the kind of book he'd be writing. It's a panoramic, state-of-thenation novel, which paints a vivid portrait of Britain on the edge through a diverse cast of characters whose lives interconnect during the week leading up to Christmas 2007. They include an unscrupulous hedge-fund boss whose latest moneymaking scheme is designed to bring down a bank while netting him billions; his indulged, drug-taking teenage son; an ambitious MP and his social-climbing wife; an Asian immigrant food entrepreneur about to receive an OBE after making large political party donations; his student son, part of a British Islamic terrorist cell planning to bomb London; and a Polish footballer newly signed to a Premier League club, partnered by a suitably glamorous Russian Wag. Sound familiar? Author Sebastian Faulks has created a rich and compelling picture from the news that has dominated our lives over the past few years - and a fairly unsettling picture it is, full of greed, alienation, self-interest and moral decline. But, as with Dickens, all is not doom and gloom. The book is full of wicked humour, and an unlikely love affair blossoms amid the decadence. As the page-turning plot barrels towards its climax, lessons are learned which provide hope for the future.
ORDeR nOW at a SPeCial DiSCOunt! you can buy A Week in December for just [pounds sterling]4.99, including free p&p, until 3 December 2010. to order, call the yOu bookshop on 0845 155 0711 or visit youreadinggroup.co.uk, where you will also find suggested discussion notes and an exclusive article by Sebastian Faulks about the themes of his novel. you can also order by post from yOu bookshop, PO box 582, norwich nR7 0Gb, making cheques payable to yOu bookshop.
SiGn uP FOR MORe bOOk baRGainS as well as our monthly reading group choice, we have other great money-saving offers, including special deals later this month on previous Sebastian Faulks titles. Go to youreadinggroup.co.uk/signup, fill in your details and we'll keep you updated on all our latest book offers. it couldn't be simpler and there's no obligation. if you don't have internet access, you can call 0845 155 0711.
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