Two Caravans (SIGNED)

London: Fig Tree (Penguin), 2007. 1st. hardback. Fine, 1st edition, signed, pristine with Hatchards wrap-around band; inscription on title page: 'For Roger, best wishes, 18th April 2007, ML, London Book Fair). 8vo (230 x 150 / 9"" x 6""). A field of strawberries in Kent...And sitting in it are two caravans - one for the men and one for the women. The residents are from all over: miner's son Andriy is from the old Ukraine, while sexy young Irina is from the new: they each other warily. There are the Poles, Tomasz and Yola; two Chinese girls; and Emauel from Malawi. They're all here to pick strawberries in England's green and pleasant land.But these days England's not so pleasant for immigrants. Not with Russian gangster-wannabes like Vulk, who's taken a shine to Irina and thinks kidnapping is a wooing strategy. And so Andriy - who really doesn't fancy Irina, honest - must set off in search of that girl he's not in love with.'Immensely appealing. All but sings with zest for life...could hardly be more engaging, shrewd and winningly perceptive' Sunday Times'Extremely funny, closely observed insights, scenes of farce, tragedy and horror' The Times Literary Supplement'Hilarious and horrifying, Two Caravans is funny, clever and well observed' Guardian