''Lively . . . a joy to read'' - The Times

*Shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize*

The bestselling author of A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian is back in this hilarious, farcical, tender novel of modern issues and manners.

North London in the twenty-first century: a place where a son will swiftly adopt an old lady and take her home from hospital to impersonate his dear departed mother, rather than lose the council flat.

A time of golden job opportunities, though you might have to dress up as a coffee bean or work as an intern at an undertaker or put up with champagne and posh French dinners while your boss hits on you.

A place rich in language - whether it’s Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian, Swahili or buxom housing officers talking managementese.

A place where husbands go absent without leave and councillors sacrifice cherry orchards at the altar of new builds.

''Laugh-out loud'' Daily Express

''Insightful, witty and engaging, painting a picture of modern Britain that will be at once recognizable and enlightening'' Stylist

''Entertaining'' and timely Evening Standard