an "extraordinary first novel". He also praises Millers research, writing that "he writes a fine strong prose thickly larded with the sights, sounds and smells of the period". He also praises the pacing of the novel; and draws comparison to John Fowles's novel The French Lieutenant's Woman; Graham Swift's Waterland''; and Peter Ackroyd's "early flamboyant historical pastiches." References 1997 British novels Novels set in Russia British bildungsromans Novels by Andrew Miller (novelist) Sceptre (imprint) books Novels set in the 18th century