The Dancer Upstairs

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Description

For readers of William Boyd and John le Carre, an exhilarating literary thriller about the hunt for a missing terrorist in South America. From the acclaimed author of The Sandpit, an exhilarating literary thriller about the hunt for a missing terrorist in South America. Out of a job but in search of one last scoop from South America, journalist John Dyer strikes gold when he chances upon Agustin Rejas, a former police colonel whose dogged pursuit - and eventual capture - of murderous guerrilla leader Ezequiel made him a national hero. Over many nights, Rejas recounts his story of the years-long manhunt. So too emerges the tale of his own poor upbringing, his turbulent marriage and the passion he once felt for Yolanda, his daughter's ballet teacher - an all-consuming obsession that would ultimately lead him straight to the elusive Ezequiel... 'Astoundingly good... Demands you put your life on hold until it is finished' Guardian 'A genuinely fine novel from a writer who possesses real heart and flair' Louis de Berni res, Sunday Times

Reviews

Astoundingly good... This dramatic, moving story demands you put your life on hold until it is finished * Guardian *
Shakespeare is interested in grand themes: love, vocation, politics and the corrupting power of moral and ideological absolutes... The Dancer Upstairs will be enjoyed by any kind of reader... It is enviably good, a genuinely fine novel from a writer who possesses real heart and flair * Sunday Times *
In addition to being a satisfyingly rich tale or romance this is a highly intelligent examination of Peruvian - and South American - reality... Funny and devastating... I was riveted by this superb novel * New Statesman *
As cracking a story as any yarn, as informed as any journalism, and delivered with firmness and urgency * The Times *
A crackling good yarn...Graham Greene meets Gabriel Garca Mrquez * Evening Standard *

Author Bio

Nicholas Shakespeare was born in 1957. The son of a diplomat, much of his youth was spent in the Far East and South America. His books have been translated into twenty-two languages. They include The Vision of Elena Silves (winner of the Somerset Maugham Award), Snowleg, The Dancer Upstairs, Inheritance, Priscilla and Six Minutes in May. He has been longlisted for the Booker Prize twice and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.