Jamrach's Menagerie

The nineteenth century has seemingly become the historical novelists' period of choice. The whiff of Dickens and Collins is unmistakable and understandable: these were novelists that understood the power of plot as well as the power of prose. Carol Birch's 11th novel harnesses this same drive and commitment, producing a story of rich, vivid detail, brilliant characters and a satisfying and compelling narrative.

Jaffy Brown's life takes an odd and bewildering turn after a chance encounter with an escaped circus animal. Saved from certain death by the animal's owner - the charismatic Mr Jamrach - Jaffy swaps the stink and teem of London's docks for a mission to the Dutch East Indies. It's a journey that will test his faith, question his life, and ultimately change his life forever.

This epic novel is wonderfully constructed and brilliantly controlled; recalling Sarah Waters' ability to evoke time and place with subtle skill. Birch has been writing for over 20 years, but this is her masterpiece: expect to be hearing a lot about it around Booker time...