SHORTLISTED FOR THE GOLDSMITHS PRIZE 2016 'One of Britain's most original, inimitable writers' The Times 'The field looks completely wrong now,' she announced, one blustery afternoon. 'It's all gone out of balance' The Great Field lies in the bend of a broad, meandering river. Bounded on three sides by water, on the fourth side it dwindles gradually into wilderness. A handful of tents are scattered far and wide across its immensity. Their flags flutter in the warm breeze, rich with the promise of halcyon days. But more and more people are setting up camp in the lush pastures and with each new arrival life becomes a little more complicated. And when a large and disciplined group arrive from across the river emotions run so high that even a surplus of milk pudding can't soothe ruffled feathers. Change is coming; change that threatens the delicate balance of power in the Great Field. This simultaneously down to earth and surreal fable cements Magnus Mills' status as one of Britain's most original novelists. Slightly absurd, possibly allegorical, written in simple, stylish, deadpan prose, each as singular, witty and engaging as its predecessor . So what is it all about? Is it a fable? A parable? An allegory? A bit of fun? All four? Part of the pleasure of reading Mills is trying to work out what he is getting at, if he is getting at anything at all. I would say that anyone with a grasp of history will nod along and anyone with a sense of the present will anxiously check the sky for storm clouds