A young man journeys back in time - through reality, memory, and imagination - to understand his unusual past.

It is 1945, and London is still reeling from the Blitz. Apparently abandoned by their parents, 14-year-old Nathaniel and his sister, Rachel, are left in the care of an enigmatic figure named The Moth. They suspect he might be a criminal, and grow both more convinced and less concerned as they get to know his eccentric crew of friends. They all seem determined to protect and educate Rachel and Nathaniel (in rather unusual ways). But are they really what and who they claim to be?

Longlisted
The Man Booker Prize 2018
Published by
Jonathan Cape
Publication date

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Michael Ondaatje

Michael Ondaatje

About the Author

Michael Ondaatje is the author of seven novels, a memoir, a non-fiction book on film and several books of poetry.
More about Michael Ondaatje

Other nominated books by Michael Ondaatje

The English Patient
Prize winner