I have just finished re-reading this astonishing book. My first time round it took me only 3 sittings, including one 10pm-4am marathon. Ostrich isnt a page turner in the traditional sense. The story is subtle and (for the most part) low octane. Sometimes it almost takes place beneath the surface of the narration, in the subtext or the space between lines. But once Alex has got his claws into you there's no letting up. I'm not going to provide a summary of the plot, partly because other reviewers have done this already and partly because in Ostrich the most important things are always the things that are left unsaid, but I will say that having read the book a second time there is not a paragraph out of place. This isn't just a book you HAVE TO READ, it's one you have to re-read, which I did with my jaw on the floor. On my first reading I thought Ostrich was the funniest, saddest, sweetest, most authentic portrait of adolescence I'd ever encountered. On my second reading I realise its also the most cleverly constructed novel I've read in many, many years. Details that I initially thought were only in the book for the sake of authenticity (and hilarity) on re-examination turn out to be so, so relevant all along, which in retrospect only makes the ending more beautiful... and more inevitable. About the ending. I don't want to talk about it too much at the risk of spoiling it for anyone but all I will say is you haven't guessed it even when you think you've guessed it. That and it WILL BREAK YOUR HEART in the very best possible way. Ostrich is the only book I've ever read that manages to combine quantum physics, Tricolore French, divorce, fate, brain surgery and the funniest (and most moving) analysis of internet pornography that you will ever read. It's not just the best book I've read this year, it's one of the best books I've read in my life. It's a book I know I'll revisit and one that I'll give to my kids when they're old enough to appreciate it. It's completely unlike anything else (comparisons to The Curious Incident To The Dog In The Nighttime are understandable but woefully inadequate) and it will stay with me for a very, very long time. (And it will have me writing in brackets for even longer!)

Having read this book, I was most impressed by the profundity, pathos, humour and erudite observations of the author''s talent. I look forward eagerly to his future writings.