Hamilton, H: Disguise. Hugo Hamilton

Sebastian Barry, Guardian (Book of the Year)

'An eloquent and haunting book about identity and the construction of a self under duress....Though much of the historic and personal material here is brutal , the tone of the book is oddly consoling. He does tenderness very well.' Hermione Lee, the Guardian

'Subtle...a narrative that moves elegantly between past and present.' Sunday Times

'This novel is about identity, both personal and national, the vicissitudes of memory, the impossibility and necessity of love. The opening is thrilling but Hamilton knows the real story is in the repercussions. And the final chapter is almost unbearably moving, wonderfully understated, damn near perfect.' Rachel Sieffert, Financial Times

'Hugo Hamilton has fashioned a monumental theme. He brings the reader through a whole series of microcosms, dancing flash pictures of different societies, different times. They all contribute to an overwhelming sense of unease, an unsettling shrine to emotional fear. The book and its skill are the reality.' Irish Sunday Independent

'Hamilton doesn't discuss his writing with his family as for him it's very much a "personal endeavour". "Disguise", however, is not one to keep to yourself; it is a book that raises questions about the personal and collective identity from a man in the know.' Image Magazine