Sister Crazy

The sprawling Weiss family--as recalled by Jemima, the middle child in Emma Richler's amazing debut--live an almost idyllic existence. The feeling among the siblings is so palpable that we cannot help but share the acute nostalgia Jem experiences as she emerges from childhood. In a darkly humorous voice she tells of playing elaborate war games with toy Action Man figures, composing a survival book ("Always have some sports news at hand for when your dad is in hospital after a scary operation to do with a fatal disease"), closely observing her beautiful Mum to fathom her magic, weaving the story of the Grail quest into her brother Jude's life. Jem's extravagant tales of her eccentric beloved family will linger long after the last line.

<i><br></i>Emma Richler lives in London.