published in 2007 by hamish hamilton in the u.k., by harcourt in the u.s., and worldwide in 20 languages.
won the anisfield-wolf book award and the south bank show award for literature.
was shortlisted for the man booker prize, the james tait black memorial prize, the arts council england decibel award, the commonwealth writers prize, and the index on censorship t. r. fyvel book award.
was a new york times notable book of the year.
a short story based on the novel appeared in the fall 2006 issue of the paris review.
