It's a shame some books have to end., March 13, 2002
Reviewer: A reader from England - Amazon

I stopped in my tracks when I passed the Leeds branch of Ted Baker this weekend and thought of Ting. That's when I realised how great this book is.

'The Manana Man' is a wonderful side-splitting, heart-rending story that will touch you in a way few books are able. I cried and laughed out loud at the stories told with such wonderful humour and sensitivity. In fact, I'm still wiping away the tears of laughter from the story of the guys and their disastrous party when they were kids. Pennance, Ting and.... Well, no, I won't spoil it for you.

Not only does James Birrell make the characters so likeable, he writes in such a way as to leave you feeling that you know them, and that you're part of their close circle. Having just finished the book, I feel like I've just got back from the stag wake myself.

This is a blinding first novel, and I'm so looking forward to reading more by the same author. Now, if I can just work out how to do that thing with my nipples....

Please email James now for further details on any of his novels.