The Book of Everything

Thomas's greatest wish is to be happy, much to the chagrin of his bullying, violent father.

To escape the realities of his life Thomas retreats into his imagination, recording the unusual things he sees in his Book of Everything. Tropical fish swim in the canal, chairs float to the sound of Beethoven and the plagues of Egypt are visited upon his home in 1950s Amsterdam.

Thomas's imaginative powers, combined with the help of his neighbour Mrs van Amersfoort, sister Margot and friend Eliza, sees him find the strength to face his father and change his family's life for the better.

Thomas is a touching, extremely likable protagonist and readers will feel elated and moved by his triumph over tyranny, in this unusual and beautifully written book.