Beautifully written, exquisitely crafted, a tale of books and reading, and the wisdom that lies somewhere between the written word and lived experience. A callow young islander travels to a rich and distant empire, his head filled with vibrant visions thanks to the book of his exile tutor. Immersing himself in this new world, he becomes haunted by an angel, the ghost of a sick girl he met briefly on his voyage. Tormented by her visitations, he becomes part of a power struggle between religious factions that are slowly leading to civil war.

Vivid descriptions, a lush atmosphere and a rich and varied world brought to life in the same manner that so enchants our young protagonist - a brilliant and gorgeous and profound book.