Mr Pye

Although the more celebrated Gormenghast trilogy deals with the nature of evil on a wider and more spectacular canvas, this funnier and more parochial tale has much to recommend it. Set in the tiny world of Sark - the eccentric Channel Island where cars are banned - it features a self-styled missionary, Mr Pye. Strangely cheerful, he comes to the island determined to convert its suspicious residents to his own singular brand of love and freedom - with unforeseen consequences. Perhaps not the best introduction to the genius of Mervyn Peake, it nevertheless provides an intriguing sidelight on his unusual talent. (Kirkus UK)