Want Not Paperback – 13 May 2014

This is an excellent book, and was delivered swiftly

A very interesting idea - waste, in the form of human life, possessions, those things we get rid of, things we keep.In several storylines, the general theme of waste and our need to possess are explored, with some fascinating characters - a doctor of linguistics, squatting vegans, a family who lost a family member in the World Trade Centre.There's an original and funny opening chapter that keeps you reading, and some varied and very human characters and stories, all of which I enjoyed. Miles' writing is often very funny - one man almost loses his life in the pursuit of free steak. There is pathos too - an unwanted birth, a father with dementia who can recall poetry without error. The writing is lovely.From birth to death and all our possessive instincts in between, Want Not has a lot to say and says it with style and a familiar yet original voice.Review of a Netgalley review copy.