I absolutely loved this thought provoking and original book, even though my heart sank when I received it. Why? For two reasons: it was sent to me by the author (how to tell an author when I hate their book?) and the blurb on the back cover tells me it has “an extraordinary and unexpected twist at the end” (which in my experience means it’s almost never extraordinary and rarely unexpected).

But, Dear Reader, I needn’t have worried. By page 16 I was completely hooked.

Meshach Moule is described as a “proud and traditional man”. Well known locally, he lives in south London in a flat above a former Italian restaurant.

This is the story of his childhood in Jamaica, his father’s decision move the family to England and how Meshach became known as the Grand Moule of Clapham. It’s also the story of a secret.

The story – and the secret –  of his life unfolds through a series of meetings with a young student.

A fascinating, different and moving book written by an author based in Cornwall and with not one, but two, twists at the end. A great read.