This title forms part of the Continuum Contemporary Series. The aim of this series is to provide accessible and informative introductions to some of the most popular, most acclaimed and most influential novels of recent years. A team of contemporary fiction scholars from both sides of the Atlantic has been assembled to give a thorough and readable analysis of each of the novels in question. The books in the series all follow the same five-part structure- A short biography of the novelist. A full-length study of the novel, drawing out the most important themes and ideas. A summary of how the novel was received when it was first published. A summary of the novel's standing today, including any film or television adaptations. A helpful list of discussion questions, suggestions for further reading, and useful websites.