Written with a delicate intelligence … Sidney Chambers is as convincing as any flesh-and-blood creature, not just an idea of a parson. This is because Runcie has thoroughly imagined him and in this coming-of-age novel he shows us how and why he became what he is

Allan Massie, Scotsman

Charming, clever and warm: perfect comfort food for the soul

Joanne Harris, Daily Telegraph

Hugely enjoyable … Some of the finest writing I have ever read about the sorrow and the pity of war

Herald

A tremendous novel - shrewd, compelling and full of insight - James Runcie elevates the genre to impressive new heights

William Boyd

Written with such tenderness, and very moving – I loved it

Elizabeth Buchan

Runcie excels at evoking the look and feel of warfare … Casts the show's first three series in a disturbing but satisfying new light. One can hardly ask for more

independent.co.uk