One of the greatest writers of the twentieth century . . . Simenon was unequalled at making us look inside, though the ability was masked by his brilliance at absorbing us obsessively in his stories. --The Guardian (London) I love reading Simenon. He makes me think of Chekhov. --William Faulkner The greatest of all, the most genuine novelist we have had in literature. --Andre Gide A supreme writer . . . unforgettable vividness. --The Independent (London) Superb . . . the most addictive of writers . . . a unique teller of tales. --The Observer (London) Compelling, remorseless, brilliant. --John Gray A truly wonderful writer . . . marvellously readable--lucid, simple, absolutely in tune with the work he creates. --Muriel Spark A novelist who entered his fictional world as it he were a part of it. --Peter Ackroyd Extraordinary masterpieces of the twentieth century. --John Banville