at first i had my doubts when i started reading it. i was a little apprehensive cause a) this was my first book by this author b) this was recommended by a friend who in my opinion has the weirdest taste in books and c)the prose in which it was written was very "english" (dont know if that makes sense :p) but as the plot unfolded and thickened and finally reached its climax it was well worth it. i loved it.! and i actually laughed out loud. the problems of piccadilly jim were explained hilariously! the story had a beautiful flow, the characters evolved beautifully. would totally love to read more books by him.. :)