The Irresistible Inheritance Of Wilberforce

Exceptionally accomplished.. second novels are notoriously difficult to pull off but Torday has managed a near masterpiece * DAILY EXPRESS *
The whole book is delightfully written...Paul Torday is a remarkably original novelist * EVENING STANDARD *
Grows more and more poignant as the novel progresses.. satisfyingly full-bodied and slips down a treat * SUNDAY TIMES *
Remarkably, given the bleakness of both subject and hero, it is an incredibly good read * DAILY TELEGRAPH *
What makes us want to find out about Wilberforce is Torday's wonderful prose - the same simple, clear writing that made Salmon Fishing so readable * FINANCIAL TIMES *
He has a good feeling for character and a sly sense of humour * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *
A well-told tale...Torday wryly observes Wilberforce's descent * THE TIMES *
Telling the story back-to-front allows Torday to highlight Wilberforce's self-delusion; he's that familiar figure, the alcoholic who pretends that he's merely a connoisseur * GUARDIAN *
Torday's confidence in his story's power to command attention is not misplaced...Wilberforce is well worth sampling * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *
A heart-wrenching tale of alcoholism and a lonely man's search for identity...a mesmerising page-turner * MAIL ON SUNDAY *
[The plot] provides Torday with copious opportunities for comedy, which he readily exploits. But there is a serious undertone * TIME OUT *
Slips down a treat * THE WEEK *