through 1930s nuclear physics, to Flanagan's father working as a slave labourer near Hiroshima, this chain of events culminates in a young man finding himself trapped in a rapid on a wild river, not knowing if he is to live or to die ... 'The strangest and most beautiful memoir I've ever read. Magnificent.' - Tim Winton. 'Flanagan's finest book.' – Guardian. 'Flanagan's portrayal of his quiet, brave father and his loving, resilient mother is exquisite. His evocation of the texture of life in rural Tasmania is masterful.' - Daily Telegraph. ‘This book took me completely by surprise and is unlike anything I've read this year. Gripping, affecting, wholly original. I absolutely loved it.' - David Nicholls, author of One Day.