This novel focuses on an experiment, one that may have even taken place at one time in history. A man is asked if he can remain underground for seven years, without any contact with the rest of society, in return for a generous stipend when he completes his term. Nathan’s novel was a particularly timely read for myself, after a summer of ‘shielding’ I related to Warlow more than I anticipated! The lack of stimulation and the idea of retreating into oneself is not entirely foreign to the modern reader and is handled exceptionally well by the author. I also relished the references to Thomas Paine and the frequent debates about, what we would now term today, human rights. This is an incredibly rich historical novel that is handled with great delicacy.

Haunting, beautifully written and absolutely fascinating. A journey into the human condition, psychology and history. I couldn't put it down and it didn't leave me for days afterwards.